Category Archives: Wokingham and West Berkshire Issues

Today I joined the Cabinet Office call where MPs can reinforce the issues they are highlighting for constituents and urge the government to resolve the problems. I repeated my regular requests for better and speedier  treatment for the self employed and small businesses prevented from earning a living by the controls. I was told the […]

I  am aware that many are unsure about social distancing, and when to self-isolate, particularly for those who are over 70 and those under 70 with certain underlying conditions. I have just received updated guidance from the Government on social distancing which I thought would be useful. The guidance is available to view here.

I have received this information from the Citizens Advice Bureau in Wokingham: Your communities are strong and resilient. There are simple things you can do to help them continue to thrive! 1. Check-in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours Just helping them with their shopping and checking they have everything they need can make a […]

As we come to the end of a difficult week, both in West Berkshire and across the country, we thought it would be useful to write to you to give you a rundown of the communications activity we have undertaken this week. We hope that this will be useful to you and your communities as […]

I have just received the enclosed update from the Government: As a country, we all need to do what we can to reduce the spread of coronavirus. That is why the government has given clear guidance on self-isolation, staying at home and away from others, and asked that schools only remain open for those children […]

Whilst the reason for the immediate increase in funding is not one we welcome, the government has made £1.6bn available to Councils to handle the virus and boost social care, and a further £1.3bn to free hospital beds . I have been pressing for more social care funding for sometime, and trust Wokingham’s share of […]

Some constituents who need to self isolate or stay home tell me there are still problems getting home deliveries or shopping organised. I have asked Wokingham Borough to assist with organising volunteers who could help with shopping. Will those offering help and those in need of it please see www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk. I have also written again […]

Many childminders have written to me asking what help there can be for self employed people. I am asking the government again to put in an Income support scheme for the self employed, and have renewed this request today.

I have raised with the FCO the issue of what more they can do to organise exit flights from Peru for UK nationals wishing to return home. I have followed it up again today but  have not yet  had a reply.  Several constituents have asked me about this.

This afternoon in Wokingham there was food in supermarkets and in the marketplace. The fruit and veg stall holder told me he had had a  busier day than at Christmas, usually his record period. There were early afternoon some gaps in provision, in shops which had started the day with good quantities and ranges. It […]