February 2025 Update
I am pleased to bring you my February 2025 Update. As ever, if you would like to sign up to my mailing list, you can do so on this page or by emailing [email protected].
Dear constituent,
February has been a shorter month that has also included a recess, but the work has continued locally and in Westminster.
The Government's legislative agenda has moved at a slower pace since the new year, but I have been working with colleagues to press Ministers on the issues impacting constituents. There has been a particular focus on local government budgets and finance, both at a shadow departmental and constituency level.
Locally, I have spent a lot of time on some of our fantastic local high streets, speaking with business owners about the challenges they are currently facing. This ties into my small business survey, which I will speak more about in this newsletter.
If you would like to keep up to date in between newsletters, I would encourage you to visit my website or Facebook page.
In the Constituency
Surgeries
My surgeries have continued, and I am grateful to the teams at Alforno Caffe in Ruislip and We Love Coffee in Harefield for hosting me this month.
Residents have raised a range of concerns with me, including issues around housing and anti-social behaviour, as well as policy matters, such as renters reform and pensions.
If you would like to make an appointment to meet with me at a surgery, or are a business who would be interested in hosting, please get in touch via 0203 545 2462 or [email protected]
Small Business Survey
Small and medium-sized businesses have faced a number of significant challenges over the past few years, to which the Conservative Government responded with a package of supportive measures. Now, having felt the impact of the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, these same businesses must now contend with a Labour Government intent on hiking taxes and stifling growth.
October's Budget announced a series of policies that will hit businesses hard, particularly the increase to employers' national insurance contributions and changes to business rates. While the Government claims these are targeted at larger businesses, in reality the measures will have a rippling effect on the high street and smaller businesses.
Working on the shadow local government team and representing a constituency with seven brilliant high streets, I want to better understand the challenges businesses in Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner are facing at this time. As such, over the next few months, I will be inviting small businesses to take part in a small business survey.
Already I have spoken with business owners in Harefield and parts of Ruislip, and I am grateful for the feedback I have received to date. My office will continue to collate this over the coming months, following up on any individual casework matters and advocating on behalf of businesses to the local authority and government.
Business Visits
On the theme of high streets, I visited McDonalds this month; a long-standing and prominent feature of Ruislip.
I met with franchise owner Abel and his team, who shared their perspectives on how high street businesses have responded to challenges and changing demands. It was encouraging to hear this has been largely positive, reflected in their sustained customer footfall and mirrored across the high street as a whole.
We also discussed proposals to extend the restaurant into the unit next door (previously The Linen Chest). So, while there are concerns about Labour's tax hikes, I am pleased to hear the redevelopment will create a number of new jobs - around thirty - which is good news for the local economy. I understand the proposals will be submitted to Hillingdon Council, with the first application available to view here.
This expansion also ties into changes to collections for delivery drivers, which I know will be welcomed by residents who have raised concerns about the number of bikes at the front of the store. I am pleased to hear feedback has been taken onboard, with plans for a separate station for riders at the back of the store. Of course, while not all riders are there for McDonalds, this should contribute to more available parking around the front.
All in all, it was a useful discussion, and I look forward to following developments.
This month, I was also invited to meet with the team at the Pinner Boots store on Bridge Street.
We had a really useful discussion about the pharmacy services they are providing and the benefits to the local community. I was also interested to learn - and test out - the free 'Health MOT' being offered to those aged 40 and over. This includes a blood pressure check with the option to also check your BMI. It's really beneficial that these types of services are provided on our high street, increasing their accessibility for residents.
Unsurprisingly, concerns were raised about the impact of the Government's tax hikes on businesses, particularly on larger stores. The repercussions will be felt by smaller stores and the high street as a whole.
We also discussed the worrying rise in shoplifting, which we are unfortunately seeing across all our high streets. While preventative measures are being put in place by the store, it is clear that greater collaboration with police is needed. I am pleased to hear that since the visit, contact has been established between Boots and the Pinner Safer Neighbourhoods Team, which I hope will be a useful relationship going forward.
Hillingdon Borough Football Club
I was delighted to visit Hillingdon Borough Football Club on Breakspear Road to launch their new 3G pitch.
We were also joined by representatives from Ruislip Rangers, another popular local club who benefit from the stadium’s facilities.
I was interested to learn from chairwoman Dee about the work that has gone into the new 3G pitch and to hear more about plans for the club’s future. I know grassroots sports clubs have faced significant challenges over the last number of years, and I am pleased to see local sports clubs thriving despite this.
In terms of the club’s development, we also discussed possible grants to further increase playing teams and push for promotion. I have written to the Football Association to ask for their support with this.
Hillingdon Borough is one of our well-loved local football clubs and an important part of our sporting heritage. I am always pleased to advocate for investment for the future of the clubs and grassroots sport as a whole.
Hestia Hillingdon Cove
I had a really interesting visit to Hestia Hillingdon Cove in Ruislip this month, where I met with Area Manager Catherine and her team.
For those who may not be aware, Hestia offers free mental health support for those aged 16 and over by providing a safe space for people to talk, connect and gain support. This can range from advice and signposting, one-to-one support, group activities and those simply wanting to drop-in for a cup of tea.
I was interested to learn that in Hillingdon, the most common reasons for individuals coming forward to use the service are isolation or past trauma that has been triggered in their everyday life.
While based in Ruislip, this serves the whole borough, and I encourage residents who may be interested in further information to visit the Hestia website here.
In Parliament
As you will see from this newsletter, much of this month was spent in the constituency, visiting local businesses, attending local events and hosting my regular surgeries. In Parliament, the Government has progressed with its legislative agenda but since Christmas things have been moving slower than expected.
Chagossians in Hillingdon
This month, council authorities informed me of the strain that their budget was being put under by the arrival of British nationals from the British Indian Ocean Territory. I raised the plight of Chaggosians arriving in Hillingdon and its impact on our council directly with Ministers after their calls had gone unanswered.
Since July 2024, 170 individuals have presented themselves at the Civic Centre in Uxbridge seeking support as they move to the UK. These are British nationals who are moving to the UK through well-established routes as a result of the Labour Government’s plans to hand over sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
As a port authority, the council is normally well-prepared to handle the volume of individuals being presented for support. However, the sudden increase in numbers being presented to the local authority is costing the council over a million pounds. I therefore asked the Leader of the House whether we could have a debate about the impact of new arrivals on local authorities.
I am deeply disappointed that Lucy Powell, the Leader of the House, declined my request. Rather than allow for meaningful discussion, Ms Powell instead chose to make a party-political point. This only served to highlight how unwilling this Government is to provide purposeful support to our local authorities who are dealing with ever increasing financial strain.
This exchange can be viewed here.
Heart Health Month
This month, I attended Heart Valve Voice’s parliamentary drop-in to mark World Heart Month. The event was an opportunity to promote heart valve disease awareness and to highlight the importance of screening programmes in the context of heart health.
With an emphasis on the urgency of early detection and the role of revolutionary technology in this, I had the opportunity to receive a digital stethoscope check. This act is simple, but has the potential to make a significant and lifesaving impact when it comes to early detection, and I was interested to learn more about this from clinical specialists.
There is a focus on heart health locally, and I have seen the brilliant work at Harefield Hospital in replacing heart valves. I am grateful to all for their hard work and dedication.
I would encourage residents who have any concerns to contact their GP or visit a pharmacist.
Shadow Ministerial Work
Business relating to my Shadow Ministerial portfolio has continued in Westminster this month, and I am pleased to share some of that work below.
Local Government Finance
The Local Government Finance Settlement was finally published this month after much delay. This Government is looking to burden local authorities with higher bills, weighing them down with increased direct costs and statutory duties that are largely out of their control.
Local authorities spend around £40 billion of taxpayer’s money, with each council delivering over 800 services. Every one of my constituents will be touched by the wide range of services provided by our local councils, Hillingdon and Harrow. We are lucky to be covered by these two excellent councils who have a proven track record of delivery for local residents, while keeping bills to a minimum. I am worried that this new settlement will punish both councils and see costs on taxpayers rise.
Responding on behalf of His Majesty’s Opposition, I raised the real concerns of local authorities directly with Ministers. You can watch my contribution here.
As ever, my office is open and the team are on hand to help. If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Kind regards,
David
