Welcome to my August e-newsletter.
Concerns about the cost of living have, of course, dominated the political landscape over this past month. Caused by a combination of Covid supply chain problems and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, everyone will be affected by this crisis. The Government has brought forward a £37 billion package of support measures, including £1200 for eight million lower income households.
But with the energy price cap due to rise even higher from October, more needs to be done. I will be pressing the new Prime Minister for that to happen. We need immediate action. I am also very worried about the impact of energy price rises on Barnet businesses.
I met many constituents during my summer campaign week of doorstep calls, mobile surgeries and business visits. Hearing their concerns about household bills and the winter to come, it will remain my top priority to help them.
In other news this month, I was very pleased to welcome Health Minister Gillian Keegan for a visit to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice in my constituency. As we walked round, we were told about the inspiring work done there for gravely ill children and their families.
I have welcomed the news of a new surgical hub at North Middlesex Hospital to help clear the Covid backlog. I continue to campaign for expansion of NHS services. I recently contacted the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Health Secretary to urge them to fix the problem with the taxation of NHS pensions which is forcing doctors to consider early retirement just when we need them most.
There has been another victory on planning. The planning inspectorate have refused the application by Fairview Homes to build 13 blocks of flats at Victoria Quarter. The developer should build the more moderate scheme for new homes which was granted permission in 2017. In far less positive news, the owners of 33 Lyonsdown Road have been given permission to demolish this locally listed Victorian villa, despite heroic efforts by the Barnet Society to save it.
Turning to environmental matters, I’ve backed a ban on single-use disposable barbecues which have been such a fire hazard during this hot summer. I’m also calling on Ministers to make progress on delivering a deposit return scheme (DRS) for drinks containers – something I brought forward when I was Environment Secretary. We need to make progress on this so that people are encouraged to dispose of drinks containers responsibly, rather than littering them. A DRS scheme is a crucial means to tackle plastics pollution in our oceans.
As well as the multiple visit programme for my campaign week, I was also delighted to be the guest of honour at the closing ceremony for a summer camp event for young Hindus at the end of July. I joined the Janmashtami celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor this month too. I was also present over the bank holiday weekend for the formal presentation of £50,000 to Cherry Lodge Cancer Care raised by the Summer Soulstice Festival.
Further information on my campaigns and activities is available in the links below to articles on my website. Please forward this email to anyone you think would be interested to read it or might like to join this mailing list.
Rt. Hon. Theresa Villiers
Member of Parliament for Chipping Barnet
Save the 84 bus route!
Theresa Villiers MP has appealed to a range of organisations in her efforts to restore the route of the 84 bus between Potters Bar and New Barnet. In her latest move, Theresa has asked Barnet Council to consider providing funding for the service to make it more economic. She is also asking the council to attend a meeting TfL, Hertfordshire County Council and the bus operator to see if a solution can be found. Read more….
Former Environment Secretary calls for progress on deposit return scheme to tackle litter and plastics pollution
Former Defra Secretary, Theresa Villiers, has called on the Government to make progress on the deposit return scheme it promised for drinks containers four years ago. This would cut down on litter and waste and boost recycling by providing people with a financial incentive to dispose of drinks containers responsibly. Read more….
Villiers welcomes victory in latest battle over Victoria Quarter
Chipping Barnet MP, Theresa Villiers, has welcomed the decision by the planning inspectorate to reject a proposal for thirteen new blocks of flats on the old gasworks site in Albert Road in New Barnet.
Following a public inquiry held at Hendon Town Hall earlier this summer, planning inspector, John Wilde, concluded that the plan for 539 flats in blocks of up to seven storeys was inconsistent with planning rules which protect the character of neighbourhoods. Theresa Villiers addressed the inquiry to set out her strong objection to the plans. Read more….
Sainsbury’s provide reassurance to MP on their commitment to New Barnet
Theresa Villiers has welcomed the reassurance from Sainsbury’s that they have no plans to shut down and redevelop their New Barnet store. Ms Villiers had contacted them after a constituent reported that staff at the store had been told it was due to be closed and knocked down to make way for flats. Read more….
Ban on single-use BBQs backed by Barnet MP
After hearing the views of constituents, Theresa Villiers MP has decided to back a ban on single-use disposable barbecues. These household items have become a source of increasing controversy as fears grow that they have been responsible for wildfires during this summer’s heatwave. Read more….
New EV charging point funding for a cleaner greener Barnet!
Your local MP has welcomed the news from Transport Minister Trudy Harrison that the Government will provide over £1.5 million to increase the number of charging points for electric vehicles in Barnet.
The borough is one of nine local authorities around the country which has been successful in securing funding from the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund Pilot, launched in March this year. Following an application by the previous Conservative administration, Barnet Council will receive £1,650,000 from the £10m fund. Read more….
MP backs bid for brownfield regeneration funding for new affordable homes
Theresa has backed a Barnet Council bid to Government for over £1m to deliver new affordable homes on derelict land in Coppetts Road, N10, in her constituency. The Council has submitted an application £1,041,807 to the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund to clean up the site and prepare it for construction. Read more….
How to contact Theresa
The best way to get help from Theresa is to email her on [email protected], ring her constituency office on 020 8449 7345, or write to her at 163 High Street, Barnet, Herts, EN5 5SU.
Theresa’s next diarised surgery takes place from 1015 to 1200 on Saturday 3rd September at her constituency office at 163 High Street. Constituents wishing to see Theresa or her staff will need to make an appointment in advance. You will NOT be seen if you turn up without a pre-booked appointment. Bookings for face-to-face meetings or Zoom calls can be made using the contact details set out in the preceding paragraph.
