Welcome to this week's newsletter
With Parliament now in summer recess, I've had the opportunity to spend more time in the constituency, meeting with various organisations to gain a deeper understanding of how they engage with the local community and to learn about their future goals.
Likewise, I think it's important to highlight a couple of recent and troubling decisions made by the new Government. They have decided to cut the much-needed Winter Fuel Payments for around 10 million pensioners, and they’ve also set new housing targets that seem completely disconnected from the realities of our local area, and indeed the country.
Both decisions aren’t in the best interest of the people of Bexhill & Battle. That's why I’ll be pushing for a more thoughtful and informed approach to these issues.
Locally, I was pleased to pay a visit to Martins Oak Surgery to discuss the challenges they have had in their current building. Later that day, I also visited Little Gate farm to learn more about the support they provide for people with learning disabilities and autism who are looking to find paid employment.
Earlier this week, I was also able to host another constituency surgery, where I had the chance to discuss some of the more complex issues with people face-to-face.
Knowing what an important industry wine is to Sussex, I took the chance to visit Oxney vineyard, now the largest single-estate producer of English organic wine, where owner Kristin kindly showed me around.
And last but not least, I was treated to a full tour at the Bexhill Museum. It was fascinating to learn how Bexhill as a town was at the forefront of so many technological advances we take for granted today, as well as seeing the much loved Eddie Izzard train collection!
With just a few weeks of summer holidays remaining, don't forget to make the most of our local events including Bexhill Day, Bexhill 100 Motoring Club Classic Car Show, and Hurst Green's Fun Day.
Have a great weekend!
In this newsletter:
- Winter Fuel Payments & New Housing Allocations
- Meeting with Martins Oak GP Surgery
- Visiting Bexhill Museum
- Constituency Surgery
- Visit to Little Gate Farm
- Trip to Oxney Vineyard
- Bexhill Day
- Bexhill 100 Motoring Club Classic Car Show
- Hurst Green Family Fun Day
Winter Fuel Payments & New Housing Allocations
The new Government's recent decisions are troubling on multiple fronts. Firstly, they have cut the Winter Fuel Payment for around 10 million pensioners, representing losses of up to £300 for the people affected by this policy.
This is wrong, and a total departure from the previous Government’s position that all pensioners must be afforded dignity and respect in retirement, leading me to have deep concerns about the Government’s future plans for pensioners.
The last Government successfully delivered around 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments to older people across the UK in December 2023.
Being an MP in a constituency which has a sizable pensioner population, I am against this decision. It has been a long-standing challenge to ensure everyone entitled claims Pension Credit. It is now more important than ever that we raise awareness amongst our friends, family and community members.
I know how it will impact so many pensioners across the country. I think it is clear to all of us that cutting much needed winter fuel payments to pensioners is the wrong choice of the new government.
At the same time, new housing targets have been set in a way that seem completely out of touch with local realities.
Angela Rayner's new planning rules aim for 1.5 million homes by 2029, but the targets have been wrongly distributed across the country.
In our area, Rother District's target jumped from 727 to 880 annually. Keep in mind an average of 281 homes were completed per year from 2020 to 2023. This new target isn't realistic and will let developers run wild when it isn't met. 83% of the land is designated as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). An unadjusted national target was never going to fit for us.
On this, Councillor John Barnes, MBE, commented: “Even if we urgently redouble our search for sites and think about one new village, I do not see how this is do-able, even were the building industry and housing associations able to build at that rate… The threat to the AONB is very real and the Government needs to be forced to consider whether the land supply formula needs to be altered for areas like ours where more than four fifths of the area is protected.”
In contrast, London's housing target was cut by 20% despite a severe shortage and skyrocketing prices. In the North East, where demand is low, Redcar's target will rise by 1,337% and Blackpool's by 330%. Our neighbours in Hastings will see their target rise from 490 to 722.
Re-designating parts of the green belt land as "grey belt" also threatens vital protections against urban sprawl. I suspect they are choosing to build new homes in these areas because it is an easier way for the Government to meet targets rather than people’s needs.
Local councils lack the support needed to meet these unrealistic targets. Building in low-demand areas could depress house prices and strain local economies. A balanced approach that protects the environment and meets genuine housing needs is crucial.
Both decisions show a government that’s prioritising numbers over people’s actual needs. We need to push back and demand a more thoughtful and informed approach to these issues.
Meeting with Martins Oak GP Surgery
On Tuesday, I met with Dr Richard Clarke and Dr Candia Brace from Martins Oak Surgery, Battle, East Sussex to discuss the challenges they have with their building and how I can help with their plans to find a new home.
Their current building is too small for the number of patients they have already. With even more houses due to be built this challenge is only going to grow. I will be helping them to make the case to local NHS managers.
Thank you to them and their whole team for everything they do to look after the health of Battle residents.
In Parliament I will continue to make the case for changing the rules to ensure the right infrastructure and public services are in place before new homes are built.
Visiting Bexhill Museum
This week, I was able to visit the Bexhill Museum. The incredible collection that they hold and maintain in their galleries is certainly a sight to behold, and I am so thankful to Julian Porter and Rohan Jayasekera for showing me around.
Dating back to 1914, the Museum has been educating the community of Bexhill for over a century. It has gone from strength to strength, with artefacts from across the world, as well as lots of local history. Spanning across four galleries, you can see the many treasures that have been collected, from dinosaur footprints to Viking swords to a working model railway!
The Museum is a testimony to what can be achieved when hard-working members of the community pitch in, and I was lucky enough to meet some off the volunteers who put in their time as well.
Bexhill Museum is looking to expand again, so that they can display their amazing Bexhill Fire Engine from 1895, which has been restored over recent years. There are some hurdles with planning and ensuring that the public toilets in Egerton Park are retained, but I will be working closely with the Museum and Rother District Council to ensure that this expansion can take place.
I would wholeheartedly recommend making a visit to the Museum, which is open six days a week, 11:00am to 4:00pm. They currently have a dinosaur trail around the Museum, so is a great day out for all of the family!
To find out more visit their website linked here.
Constituency Surgery
It was great to have a surgery this week - a real mix of local and national issues raised. Members of Parliament can assist on a range of issues, and I always enjoy hearing from constituents about what matters to them most.
My team and I are happy to help with a variety of concerns and challenges. A lot of things can be progressed via email but sometimes a face to face meeting can help me understand more complex cases.
If you think you would like assistance, please contact me via email ([email protected]), Facebook (@DrKieranMullan) or phone (01424 736861).
Little Gate Farm
As part of my visits to local organisations, I met with CEO of Little Gate Supported Employment, Andrea Randall-Smith.
Little Gate is a charitable organisation which was born out of a vision to enrich the lives of people with learning difficulties and autism.
It is sad to understand that only 6% of adults with learning disabilities are in paid employment. This means 94% are in unpaid work, day care or stuck at home. Of course, some people with learning disabilities aren't in a position where they are able to work. However, there are many people who are.
To support those adults with learning difficulties who want to learn the skills needed for paid employment, Little Gate offers Supported Training, Supported Apprenticeship and Supported Employment opportunities for adults.
This is a truly fantastic charity which is able to provide the opportunity for people with learning difficulties to get stuck in expanding their skillsets for a professional environment, whilst being supported continually. I understand that it is not just the financial advantages that are important either, but also the improvement to people's self-esteem and confidence as well.
I am pleased to know that such a great organisation is based in our constituency and look forward to assisting however I am able to. For more information on their different supported training programmes, please visit their website by clicking here.
Trip to Oxney Organic Vineyard
It was a pleasure to be able to visit Oxney Organic Vineyard, near Beckley, and learn more about the thriving wine industry that we have here in Sussex.
The vineyard is England's largest single-site organic wine producer, and it was great to see the process of how it is made. The grapes are harvested from the 35 acre vineyard, processed and then made into wine in the onsite winery, making this a truly local product. I can certainly recommend the outcome, as I had a tasting session with Kristin, Oxney's owner.
It was interesting to hear about the entire process, but also the challenges facing the industry today. I will continue working with those at Oxney and the other great vineyards that we have across our constituency. If you fancied learning more about Oxney Organic, they have an online shop, selling their produce and wine tasting tours. For more information visit their website here.
Bexhill Day
Saturday 17th August marks the return of the annual Bexhill Day, where local businesses, community groups and residents come together to honour this special occasion and celebrate the rich heritage of our town.
This historic event wasn't celebrated for more than a hundred years after 1917, but returned for the first time in a century after Bexhill Town Council voted to reinstate it in 2021, and has since returned annually.
This year, the event will begin with the Town Crier proclaiming the opening of the Health and Well Market outside the town council gazebo at 10am. Later in the day, visitors can watch the opening of the coronation bandstand celebrations and a performance of the Royal British Legion Band, followed by the Mayor's Bexhill Day speech to mark the occasion and flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
There are also events and stalls planned across the town to mark the occasion and I encourage all those who are interested to join in and enjoy what Bexhill has to offer. Please find out more on the 1066 country website.
Bexhill 100 Classic and Custom Car Show
Don't forget this August Bank Holiday, the Bexhill 100 Classic and Custom Car Show in the Polegrove Recreation Ground Bexhill on Sea
The show is Bexhill 100 Motor Club's biggest fundraiser of the year, held on Monday 26th August.
Last year the show welcomed over 500 different vehicles of all kinds, including an eclectic mixture of cars of all ages, Classic, American, Commercial, Custom & Modified vehicles, plus classic motorcycles and scooters.
So if you are wanting to see a whole range of cars you might not usually, head on over to Polegrave Recreation Ground on Monday 26th August after 10am. Children under 16 enter free, whilst adults pay £5 entry. For more information visit the Motor Clubs website here.
Hurst Green Family Fun Day
And lastly, on Saturday 24th August, Hurst Green Village Hall are hosting a family fun day on the cricket field in the village.
There's a whole host of exciting activities planned, including a bouncy castle, birds of prey, ferret racing, welly wanging, splat the rat, craft stalls and I encourage all those interested to come along and enjoy what they have on offer!
Find out more information on the Hurst Green Village Hall Facebook page here.
Epilepsy Awareness
I am supporting an awareness campaign by Epilepsy Sussex, to help improve awareness of seizures and how they might present. If you see somebody in the street who is acting strangely, or is unresponsive, they may be having an epileptic seizure, and your intervention could save their life. I'm supporting their poster campaign.
