The Lib Dems are calling on the Government to ramp up mental health support for health and care staff in Woking to ensure “world-class” support for those tackling the virus head on. Highlighting the “deep scar” coronavirus will leave on health and care staff in Woking, the local Lib Dems and I have put forward a package […]

The Lib Dems have launched a campaign calling for a ‘Frontline Support Package’, a five-point plan to give frontline workers the support they need and the recognition they deserves as they get us through this appalling coronavirus crisis. Acting Leader of the Lib Dems Ed Davey thanked the “army of workers protecting us” in hospitals, […]

Earlier today, my Lib Dem colleagues and I voted against Surrey County Council’s proposed budget for 2020/21 as it would put services to vulnerable people at further risk.  Almost every day I hear from families struggling with their child’s SEND needs or trying to get care packages for elderly relatives.  The County Council rations these services […]

Brexit is making the staffing crisis at St Peter’s and Royal Surrey NHS Trusts even worse, the Lib Dems have warned. Figures published by the Lib Dems reveal that 78 EU staff working at the Royal Surrey NHS Trust and 63 at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital have already left the health service this year. […]

Following a request by the Lib Dems and I, Surrey County Council has agreed to exempt young care leavers from paying its share of Council Tax. Yesterday, Surrey’s Full Council approved a report from the Cabinet to give young people who have been in the care system a discount of 75% on their Council Tax, […]

The Lib Dems and I have slammed the Conservatives as “heartless” for starving the NHS of vital cash after revealing that the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Trust paid £910,381 in interest on outstanding debt over the last five years. Former Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, warned taxpayers money is being spent “lining the Government’s […]

Following one of my motions to Council, Surrey County Council has agreed to exempt young care leavers from paying its share of Council Tax. The County Council’s ruling Cabinet yesterday decided to give young people who used to be in the care system a discount of 75% on their Council Tax, which is the Surrey […]

Today marks 700 days since the Government agreed to bring forward plans to adequately fund and improve the social care system – since then, this has been pushed back time and time again. According to Age UK, more than 50,000 older people have died waiting in vain for care since the Government first said it […]

Earlier today, Surrey County Council approved its budget for the coming financial year.  The Lib Dems and other opposition Councillors did not support the budget as it will result in residents paying more for less. ‪Local Council Taxpayers will face an inflation busting Council Tax rise – a Band D Council Tax bill in Woking […]

Surrey County Council has agreed to my request to help its European Union (EU) staff and children in care apply for ‘settled status’ post-Brexit. Earlier this year, the Government announced that EU nationals would have to apply and pay for settled status post-Brexit, though they have recently waived the application fees.  This ‘pay to stay’ […]