Column: Guildford’s MP Writes – Championing the Needs of Guildford and Our Villages

Published on: 27 Nov, 2024
Updated on: 27 Nov, 2024

Zoe Franklin

Guildford’s Lib Dem MP, Zoe Franklin, writes to inform Dragon readers of her activity…

By Zoe Franklin

Guildford has been my home for over 25 years, and for the last five months I have had the honour of representing this historical, diverse and beautiful constituency in Parliament. I would like to thank all residents of Guildford and our villages for granting me this privilege.

As I said in my maiden speech , I am committed to being a voice for every corner of our vibrant constituency. Whether you voted for me or not, I am here to work for you. To fight for our local communities. To champion the needs of Guildford and our villages.

Zoe Franklin MP in the House of Commons making her maiden speech as an MP.

Making My Mark in Parliament

On the September 11 I delivered my maiden speech. I took the opportunity express my deep pride in Guildford, its history, modern high-tech industry, and natural beauty. I pledged to fight for all residents by working to improve access to GPs and NHS dentists, addressing the cost-of-living crisis and working to clean up our rivers.

Since then, I’ve been actively participating in debates on the issues that matter to Guildford.

This includes speaking in a debate about VAT on private school fees. I believe this is an ill thought through policy when it comes to special educational needs provision and the change coming in for the January term does not allow Surrey County Council (the local education authority), schools or parents time to fully plan for how to respond to the change.

I called on the government to exempt that VAT for children with diagnosed educational needs, with or without an EHCP, and those eligible for disability allowance.

It is worth noting that a quarter of pupils who attend an independent school in Guildford constituency, 700 or more pupils, do not have an EHCP. It is no secret that special educational needs provision is in a crisis. Without such an exemption, sadly, the situation will only get worse.

I’ve also spoken up for the needs of our creative industry, which provides Guildford and our villages so many cultural institutions, by asking the government to consider negotiating a European wide exemption to visas, work permits and trucking restrictions for touring music artists.

I was also proud to stand up for the needs of our community by voting against the government’s Winter Fuel Payment cuts.

Focused on Local Issues

I’ve met with Thames Water, alongside the five other Liberal Democrat MPs in Surrey, to address serious concerns about water infrastructure, bills and sewage pollution in our rivers. I’m committed to ensuring that we get a fair deal for Guildford residents.

We are also working together to address inadequate special educational needs provision (SEND) – this is the top issue that residents are contacting me about for help.

Together we are lobbying Government for improved funding and capacity, holding Surrey to account for its poor record and have met with school heads to discuss their experiences and concerns. Alongside this, each of us is working with the council and families to address their personal cases and concerns.

I’ve also been tackling travel issues. Pushing for a freeze on rail fares and improvements to service and urging the government to reconsider the bus fare cap, which is vital to villages across Guildford constituency. I used my budget response to raise my deep disappointment at the failure to mention the two-child benefit cap that continues to trap so many children in poverty in Guildford constituency and beyond.

I am also pushing for improved and expanded train services locally, including step-free access to at least one of the stations in the east of Guildford constituency.

Christopher’s Children’s Hospice in Artington

Having made two trips in the past year to Christopher’s Children’s Hospice, our local children’s hospice just across the constituency border in Artington, and following my visits and meeting the Chief Executive I have urged the government to commit to a fair, long-term deal on funding for children’s hospices, and ensure that the NHS funding returns to being a centrally managed grant.

Fighting for Local Businesses

There was genuine optimism from businesses across Guildford and our villages that this government would support them. However, the 8.7 per cent hike to employer National Insurance contributions was a deeply unwelcome surprise.

I have spoken to small business owners from across the constituency, including an independent pharmacy owner, each of them sharing with me the hugely detrimental effect of this rise on their businesses.

I raised this issue when delivering my response to the budget in the House of Commons and shared the deeply distressing story of one local resident who has already been let go by their employer as a result. I will continue to fight for local businesses by pushing the government to re-think this policy.

Meeting the Community

It’s been a pleasure to engage with so many residents through virtual surgeries and door knocking sessions, as well as visiting several local schools, businesses, charities, community events.

Yvonne Arnaud refurbishment – how the entrance will look.

Visits to local cultural landmarks, such as Yvonne Arnaud Theatre where I viewed progress on its refurbishment, have been exciting and insightful experiences. Hearing your concerns firsthand helps me prioritise the issues that matter most.

And Finally…

I have been privileged to meet so many inspiring local people since being elected. I am here to listen and act on your behalf. If there’s anything I can assist with, don’t hesitate to get in touch—I’m here to help!

Thank you for placing your trust in me as your MP. I look forward to many more months and years serving you, tackling issues both big and small. There is much more to come!

The Dragon NEWS is inviting the local Conservative and Labour parties to give their views too.