I’m very pleased to announce Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will be increased by £1.2 billion in April. Around 1.6 million private renters on the lowest incomes are set to receive a substantial boost to deliver much needed help with the cost of living and against the challenges post pandemic and in a difficult geopolitical time. I’m delighted to be the DWP Minister which landed this massive investment from the PM and the Chancellor for the families most in need, which will be up to £7 billion the next 5 years. More on my website.
I was in the Chamber twice last week to hear the Minister for Postal Affairs, Kevin Hollinrake MP, speak passionately on the Horizon Scandal and steps the Government is taking to get justice for our innocent postmasters who were wrongfully convicted. Emergency legislation is being brought forward as soon as possible to overturn convictions of all those convicted in England and Wales based on Post Office evidence given during the Horizon scandal. Once this legislation is passed and convictions have been quashed, individuals will be entitled to at least £600,000 in compensation to rebuild their lives. Meanwhile the statutory inquiry is continuing to conduct an in-depth analysis of the decision-making processes that led to the scandal.
Last week it was good to meet with my MP colleague Jeremy Quin in Crawley Down to talk through our approach to a number of local issues, including the ongoing work on GP provision and to hear about the positive plans in the Crawley Down and Turners Hill Parish.
Very exciting news, Haywards Heath Rugby Football Club’s much needed clubhouse project officially broke ground on Saturday. Massive congratulations to everyone at the club who’ve worked tirelessly to make this happen. Staggeringly £1.9m has been raised independently by the Club, in the last five years towards a new multi-sport clubhouse which will be home to the Haywards Heath Harriers and other key sporting groups. However, a funding gap remains. Please do consider donating to their crowd fundraiser to help ensure the new facility at Whiteman’s Green is fully operational by autumn.