Happy New Year
I hope that you had a good time over Christmas period and are enjoying the New Year. The past 12 months have certainly been eventful but it has been and remains an immense privilege to represent Broxtowe over the past year and I am looking forward to the next one!
In Parliament
Parliament resumed on Monday 9th January and it promises to be an exciting few months ahead. Alongside Parliamentary colleagues, I met with the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council on 10th January to discuss their upcoming budget. The County Council provide many key local services here in Broxtowe such as social care and fixing our roads and streets. I reaffirmed my commitment to ensure that the organisation receives the support it needs from Government to carry on delivering for people here in Broxtowe.
Later that day, I spoke in a Westminster Hall Debate adding my support to a growing campaign for the creation of a medal to be awarded to emergency service personnel who have died during service. I raised the tragic case of PC Ged Walker, who was murdered in Nottinghamshire whilst serving in the line of duty.
PC Walker passed away on January 9th 2003, twenty years ago this month, after being dragged down a road whilst trying to remove the key from a stolen vehicle. He is survived by his late wife, Broxtowe resident, Tracy Walker and their two children.
It was great to see support from across the political spectrum for this initiative which would give formal recognition to emergency services personnel who have died whilst protecting others. PC Walker is a shining example of why an award such as this should exist. He, and all police officers put their lives on the line everyday they go to work, for the sake of their communities.
I am also continuing to progress my Shared Parental Leave and Pay (Bereavement) Bill. Yesterday marked a year from the date that Aaron’s wife, Bernadette, died whilst giving birth to their beautiful baby Tim. However, owing to a gap in the law Aaron found himself not entitled to leave. I am doing everything I can to make sure that the law changes so that people do not find themselves in situations such as Aaron’s.
I truly hope that no one has to find themselves in the position that Aaron did, unable to share the beginning of Tim’s life with his loving wife. But it is the aim of this Bill that for those who do, they do not find themselves without the law behind them.
The second reading is scheduled to take place in March and I will be continuing to raise awareness of this important issue in the meantime.
Earlier this week I had a productive meeting with the Chancellor alongside other Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire MPs to discuss investment into our region.
I reiterated the need for Government to support our small businesses, some of whom are currently on the verge of collapse due to a pandemic and cost of living pressures. Additionally, I mentioned increasing mental health funding and the need to address the historic lack of investment into infrastructure for the East Midlands. I was pleased to see him take a keen interest in these important issues.
Constituency Visits
I am thrilled that Kimberley’s Levelling Up bid has been successful in securing £16.5 million worth of Government investment into the Town with additional support from Broxtowe Borough Council totalling £20 million investment.
From the moment the Government announced the Levelling Up scheme, I was clear there should be a bid centred on Kimberley and for the past two years I have been working with the Town and Borough councillors and with local residents and businesses to ensure we submitted a strong and successful bid.
I am looking forward to getting these exciting new projects off the ground and ensure that the people of Kimberley and the surrounding area can take advantage of the fantastic opportunities on offer.
I kicked of the New Year by getting my haircut in Henry’s Barbers in Beeston. I have been getting my haircut in Henry's since they opened in Beeston 2 and a half years ago! They are a brilliant local business right here in the town.
£2 Cap for Single Bus Fares
The Get Around for £2 scheme is now live capping many single bus fares until the end of March.
This scheme is great news for Broxtowe with local bus operators having signed up to the scheme which will help to reduce fares and encourage more people to use public transport for local journeys helping families and commuters save money on travel.
To find out more including a full list of local bus routes participating please see the link here.
Stapleford Town Centre Recovery Fund
The Stapleford Town Centre Recovery Fund is back open until January 31st!
A total of £1 million has been allocated to the fund, which has the following two parts:
- The Business Continuity Grant (BCG) supports business resilience and growth over the long term, sustaining occupancy levels within Stapleford Town Centre. This grant will support existing businesses looking to expand the way they distribute their services.
- The Building Development Fund (BDF) exists to create buildings of the future; improving accessibility, energy efficiency and the look and feel of Stapleford Town Centre.
Further guidance and information can be found here:
Constituency Surgeries
I will be continuing to hold regular surgeries across Broxtowe throughout the year, meeting with constituents to listen to their views and concerns and offer my assistance on a range of important matters.
If you would like to book an appointment at one of my upcoming surgeries then please do contact my office by emailing darren.henry.mp@parliament.uk or by calling 0115 671 2530.
