2022 End of Year Update

Being your MP is a huge privilege and I wish you all a happy Christmas and a successful and healthy 2023! As we near the end of the year I wanted to reflect on 2022 as well as update you on what I have been doing in the local community. 
 
This year has seen many challenges - whether that is the rising cost of energy or the war in Ukraine. We have mourned the sad passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and the start of a new chapter in our nation’s history, with the proclamation of our new monarch, King Charles III. 
 
South Northamptonshire has embraced these changes, with local communities playing their part. Across our local area, hundreds of families and volunteers have welcomed Ukrainian refugees into their communities. I have seen first-hand the kindness that many have displayed to those who have fled the war - from collecting supplies to send to Ukraine to arranging welcoming community events, South Northants has embraced our Ukrainian guests. My office has dealt with many Ukrainian resettlement cases since the scheme was launched in March and my team and I are pleased to have played our part in supporting those individuals as they make a new life in the UK. 

Similarly, it has been heart-warming to see our communities come together to mark the life and legacy of Her late Majesty, organising books of condolence and attending the many proclamation events for the King.

I know that the cost of living is a real concern, and I am committed to helping constituents across our area find the support and advice they need. To help households, the Chancellor has extended the Energy Bills Support scheme until 2024 and there will be further help for those on means tested benefits and for pensioners. From April, the Energy Price Guarantee will be kept for a further 12 months at a higher level of £3000 per year for the average household. With prices forecasted to remain elevated through next year, this will mean an average of £500 support for every household in the country. 

I welcome the Chancellor’s decision to increase pension credit and benefits by 10.1% in line with inflation, worth up to £1470 for a couple and £960 for a single pensioner in the most vulnerable households. The Triple Lock will be protected and in April 2023, the state pension will increase in line with inflation by £870.

Clockwise from top left: signing the Ukraine book of solidarity, attending the Proclamation reading for King Charles III in Towcester, signing a Book of Condolence for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, marking Small Business Saturday in Brackley, visiting the Caring and Sharing Trust after my spring sponsored walk, visiting the Cycling Test Lab at Silverstone UTC’s Sports Engineering Hub.

In Parliament, I have spoken in debates, statements and urgent questions on behalf of my constituents throughout the year on a variety of topics and participated in debates on the economy, energy and migration. I also secured an adjournment debate on air quality in Towcester, a Westminster Hall debate on Infant Mental Health, a debate on kinship care and presented a petition on behalf of constituents' about concerns to bus route cuts. 
 
I have become chairman of the 1922 Backbench Business Committee, working with colleagues and business representatives to suggest policy ideas to the government. Our first inquiry looked at how energy bills could be reduced for consumers and businesses, with subsequent inquiries investigating deep geothermal as a source of energy and practical solutions to provide better support for entrepreneurs. 
 
I have also continued to chair the Early Years Healthy Development Review, working with the Department for Health to implement the recommendations of the Review and oversee the progress of the application process for local authorities to apply for funding to ensure that every baby gets the best start for life. 

I was pleased to be elected to the Treasury Select Committee in November, and will work with other Members scrutinising the government, Treasury, HMRC and other associated public bodies.

Clockwise from top left: speaking to Beth Rigby, Sky News in Central Lobby, participating in my adjournment debate on air quality in Towcester, presenting my petition against bus cuts in Parliament, presenting the Prime Minister with the winning entry in my Christmas Card competition, planting a cross in Parliament's Remembrance Garden, welcoming students to Parliament's Educational Centre.

South Northamptonshire Manifesto

Progress on my South Northamptonshire Manifesto continues apace:

Towcester Relief Road: I have monthly meetings with Persimmon, National Highways and West Northamptonshire Council on the progress of the relief road. Whilst there have been unacceptable delays, progress is being made to get the road open. Persimmon have advised that they should have completed all of their works on the A5 by July 2023, and National Highways are working closely with them on progressing with the design for the A43 junction, with a view to the road being finally opened in the summer of 2024.

The Relief Road will be the primary route around Towcester once it is open to traffic. Road signs will reflect this. Alongside this work, National Highways are developing proposals for traffic calming along the A5 Watling Street, with the aim to deliver such works as soon as the Relief Road is completed and open to traffic. The results of the public consultation that took place in August and September have just been announced and can be viewed on my website.

HS2: Throughout this year I have met virtually with the HS2 Minister to discuss, (and I’m glad to say in some cases, resolve) the ongoing concerns of residents around scrutiny, disruption and compensation. If you are worried about HS2 and how it will affect you or if you have a specific case that you would like me to raise with the Minister please email me. We continue to have the bi-monthly HS2 Liaison Committee update for all affected parishes and residents.

Farthinghoe Bypass: Like many local residents, I am disappointed that the promised progress on the bypass seems to have stalled. I have discussed this with both the Department for Transport and with West Northamptonshire Council and will continue to press for faster progress. 

Strategic Rail Freight Interchange: alongside constituents, I submitted an objection to SEGRO's application to change its DCO. The Planning Inspectorate has yet to make its decision. 

Development: residents remain very concerned about planning applications for large warehousing schemes in our area. I continue to represent the views of constituents to West Northamptonshire Council on this issue, and have highlighted the risks of continued over-development on the quality of life in our local area. 

If you have any questions or queries or need help on a specific issue please call my constituency office on 01327 353124 or email me at andrea.leadsom.mp@parliament.uk.  

You can keep up to date with my work in South Northamptonshire and Westminster here.

Best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy 2023!