Richmond Park News: 23 October 2020

This week I questioned Boris Johnson at Prime Minister's Questions about the Government's plans to place additional financial burdens on my constituents. I asked the Prime Minister if he really does plan to extend the Congestion Charge into Richmond Park and demand that London councils raise council tax to cover Transport for London's Covid-related financial crisis, when many of my constituents are already suffering great inconvenience and expense from the closure of Hammersmith Bridge.

The Prime Minister gave a most disappointing answer, ignoring my question entirely. He offered an inaccurate criticism of Mayor Sadiq Khan and then claimed that the Conservative candidate in next year's mayoral election would get the bridge fixed. I certainly hope the Government does not intend to drag its feet on fixing the bridge until next summer in order to bolster the campaign of their candidate. You can see my question for the PM and his response here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsPogp-7YzY

Letter to Shaun Bailey re Hammersmith Br

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Following the PMQ exchange I also wrote this letter to Conservative London Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey this week.

VISIT TO RICHMOND AND HILLCROFT ADULT COMMUNITY COLLEGE (RHACC)

Today I visited RHACC in Richmond and met some of the staff and learners. Their dedication to their ideals of “doing the right thing” and creating a “sense of place and community” has meant that learning and support continued throughout the lockdown. I look forward to seeing how they grow and thrive in the future. If you would like to find out more about the courses they offer and the steps that they have taken to keep their staff and students safe, please visit: https://www.rhacc.ac.uk

FREE MEALS FOR LOCAL LOW-INCOME CHILDREN OVER OCTOBER HALF TERM

Following the announcement that the Government will not be offering a school meal voucher scheme over October half-term, both Richmond Council and Kingston Council have announced that they are going to offer a half term food support package for vulnerable children, meaning that children from the lowest income families don’t go hungry over the school break. Guidance will be launched soon by both councils to let eligible families know how they can collect their vouchers.

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