What a wonderful half term week of weather we had-making all the difference. I so enjoyed watching some cricket at Burgess Hill at St John’s Park and being part of Party in the Park. Well done to Mike Stewart and the team putting on another brilliant musical afternoon raising money for the Burgess Hill Lions alongside the Scouts stall and the fantastic Burgess Hill Bonfire Society.
The recent news of the proposed closure of Blackland’s Farm by the Guiding Association was a big shock and disappointment. I’ve met with them after hearing from very concerned local youth groups of all ages and associated outdoors businesses from across our area.
The Modality group and access to GPs, has been an issue for many in our area and something I’m working on very closely with my colleague Jeremy Quinn MP. I joined an East Grinstead Town Council scrutiny meeting on this - to listen to each other and hear progress. I’ll be keeping a continued close eye on this.
The right childcare is a key issue for families. It was good meet the All Kids Nursery team in East Grinstead, a year round setting, looking after children from infants to preschool children. An important chance to discuss the provision of care of children of this age and extra support that’s needed for parents and the sector.
Meanwhile, I was very pleased to bring forward regulations for DWP, making significant changes to UC to help the lowest paid parents into work and to progress in their employment. From 28th June, parents will be able to claim back more monthly for their childcare costs on Universal Credit- up to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two or more children. A rise of 47% from the previous limits of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children. At the same time, the Government will help eligible parents cover the costs for the first month’s childcare when they enter work or significantly increase their hours, removing one of the most significant barriers to parents working and helping to grow our economy.