News

Coronavirus is an ever accelerating, widespread crises. The latest announcement from the government concedes that this is not just a medical event, but an economic event of unprecedented proportions.

This morning in Parliament I held a Westminster Hall debate on the Lea Castle Farm Quarry Application.  I attach a video of my speech and I am grateful for the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government for attending.

Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.
 
We need people to start working from home where they possibly can, and you should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues.
 

If you are unable to work because of following government guidelines on self isolating in relation to Covid-19 including precautionary measures without symptoms the following has been legislated further to the budget announcements:

On Sunday 8th March, the Prime Minister visited Bewdley as the Government announced £5.2billion funding for flood defences.

On Wednesday, 4th March, Mark thanked the Emergency Services and voluntary organisations in a speech in the House of Commons.   They worked tirelessly through the continual floods of Bewdley and Stourport by the River Severn which lasted nearly 3 weeks.

For far too long commuters have been let down by West Midlands Trains (WMT). Passengers have faced continued delays, cancellations and lack of carriages on the route between Birmingham Snow Hill and Kidderminster.

During Open Questions to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on Monday, Mark raised his concerns on behalf of the Local Government Funding for Wyre Forest District Council and in particular the negative impact of the New Housing Bonus element which has had a negative impact

Mark Garnier welcomes the announcement by the Secretary of State, Robert Jenrick, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, that a major package of support is available immediately for our communities affected by the floods due to Storm Denis.

The package includes:

Mark Garnier today welcomes the Transport Secretary’s new action to improve West Midlands Trains (WMT) services.

WMT will be required to spend an extra £20 million on improving services for passengers after breaching its performance targets.