The Christmas period is often a time for reflection as the year draws to a close. As I write this New Year message, I can’t help but think of all those who lost their lives in 2023 in conflicts and humanitarian disasters around the world. These are undoubtedly dangerous times.
As The King reminded us in his second Christmas broadcast, our sense of shared values is now more important than ever. Care, compassion and community are what bind us together. His Majesty’s coronation was definitely a high point of 2023 for many of us, who are confident the monarchy is in good hands.
Although the years following the pandemic are certainly tough economically, it is good news for everyone that inflation has more than halved since October 2022 to 3.9%. The Chancellor’s plan for the economy seems to be working, but I know many families are still struggling with high prices. That is why it is so important that the Government continues to prioritise measures that help with cost of living pressures this year.
Alongside our strong sense of community in Banbury, one of the things we can be most proud of is our extremely low rate of unemployment as a result of the widespread opportunities we have locally. I was fortunate enough to visit many of our fantastic local employers last year including for example DCS Group and TWE Haulage. Our hundreds of fantastic small businesses really are the lifeblood of our towns and villages which is why we must continue to go out and support them.
Last summer we marked 75 years of our NHS. I know that we are all grateful for the incredible work NHS staff do each day, particularly given the enormous pressure they have faced this past year. Alongside visiting the South Central Ambulance Service northern headquarters in Bicester and many of our general practices, I have as ever visited the Horton for meetings with the Trust throughout the year. There is good news; in 2023, we saw significant investment arrive onsite through the introduction of a new CT scanner, the opening of the new ophthalmology unit and funding for decarbonisation projects. I will continue to work to ensure we get the funding we need. It would be good to do some tidying up of the site this year too; great medicine happens at the Horton, but I think we can all agree the buildings look well used.
One of the best parts about being a Member of Parliament is getting out to our brilliant local schools to meet teachers and pupils. I want to make sure that all children have good access to high quality education. As a historically underfunded local authority, I welcomed the news that core schools budget will be the highest it has been in real terms for the 2024/25 academic year. I also remain focused this year on helping to drive change in Special Educational Needs provision in our county.
Helping my constituents is at the heart of my work as your Member of Parliament. 2023 was a busy year for me and my four staff members who support me. I received over 16,000 casework emails, held regular constituency surgeries in both Banbury and Bicester and enjoyed a number of stops at our local pubs as part of my Summer and Autumn Pub Tours. Alongside visits to schools, businesses and local events, my Christmas card and Coronation card competitions were particular highlights in 2023, as was my ninth Cherwell Democracy Challenge with local sixth form students. I look forward to everything 2024 has in store, meeting more of you and helping all those who reach out to me for assistance.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2024.
