Last Friday night I joined residents of Cuckfield in a packed Queens Hall to listen, discuss and work out a plan of working together to stop ‘ Cuck-stye’. This helps ensure we have a well-supported and updated local plan that backs regeneration and protects our special area. A big thank you to all the residents who came out to contribute to this meeting. I was very pleased to hear the Housing Secretary, this week, talk about levelling up also meaning less housing pressure on the Southeast. Our area is very much doing its bit when it comes to new homes, with significant impact on our Mid Sussex green spaces. We can’t go on losing habitats and green areas. Equally we so need delivery on the much-awaited regeneration and homes in Burgess Hill town centre. I am working with MSDC on this as it continues to be the premier ask of local residents and businesses.
It was great to attend the Carers Week Parliamentary Event As a past carer myself, I have experienced and understand the challenges faced and would like to thank all those that care for a loved one for the valuable contribution that they make every single day. I am determined to champion equal employment opportunities for carers, to ensure that if they want to remain, or want to start work, they have the opportunity to do so through intensive tailored support, which are now in place at local job centres.
Our world leading Ivory Act has now come into force. With a near total ban on imports, exports, and the dealing of items containing elephant ivory It’s a vital step forward on the preservation of our precious elephants. It was fantastic to have been able to work on this crucial legislation when at DEFRA.
I was also delighted to join fellow Ministers and Civil Servants to endorse the Menopause Workplace Pledge. Too many women are leaving the workplace due to the menopause, and I am delighted we are leading the way to make sure we stop losing this talent, both within our institutions and across the country, with our work with employers.