For Ukrainian Independence Day last Thursday, I attended a summer Sports Camp for Ukrainian children hosted by The Change Foundation, organised by HUGS4Ukraine at Ditchling Cricket Club. It was a pleasure to join Dizzie and support the local volunteers and to meet the youngsters and their families. Every day, our local community stands with the Ukrainian people, and we’ll continue to do so, and support their battle for freedom.
In my Ministerial Role, I recently joined Stafford Job Centreplus, to meet employers and local organisations and heard about the benefits of hiring ex-offenders. DWP Prison Work Coaches are supporting people to leave more ready for work on release which is vital to help cut reoffending rates and to fill suitable roles.
I’ve been contacted by several concerned constituents who have received fines after parking at Haywards Heath train station, despite paying, making contact or appealing. Having experienced issues myself, I’ve found there doesn’t seem to anyone to talk to unless you just settle a fine. I’m keen to get a fuller picture to feedback, so please do get in contact if you’ve had any issues so we can add it to our casework.
Meanwhile, the Government is currently running a call for evidence as part of plans to better regulate the private parking sector, including considering options for private parking charges (issued for a perceived breach of a car park’s rules) and debt recovery fees. The call for evidence is examining the effects that could be expected from the code of practice and 5 options relating to parking charges and debt recovery fees to help the decision-making process. The call for evidence is running for 10 weeks, closing on 8 October 2023. Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/private-parking-code-of-practice-call-for-evidence
Finally, it was great taking part in a brilliant fundraising effort for Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Charity and community radio station Mid Sussex Radio with live music at the Windmill in Burgess Hill last Sunday. It was wonderful to see it so busy, huge thanks to everyone involved for making the event such an enormous success.