It’s been seven months since I was elected as your MP for Bishop Auckland, and I want to take a moment to reflect on what we achieved together in the first half year.

LISTENING TO YOU

Since July, my office has been busy actioning casework, reflecting the real challenges people in our area are facing. Here’s a snapshot of the work so far:

Casework handled:

1,700 cases resolved

Types of issues raised:

National Campaigns

Social security and pensions

Health services and medicine

Crime, civil law, justice, and rights

Agriculture, food, and rural affairs

Parliament, government, and politics

Other issues

STANDING UP FOR BISHOP AUCKLAND

In Parliament, I have been:

Speaking up on key issues affecting our area

Holding the Government to account on local services and investment

Campaigning for protecting jobs, improving healthcare, better transport links, tackling crime, supporting local businesses and farmers in the North East

Raising 40 issues in the House of Commons during debates, ministerial statements, and live question sessions to push for action on behalf of our community

OUT AND ABOUT IN THE CONSTITUENCY

In the constituency, I have:

Held 31 surgeries to meet as many constituents as possible face-to-face in a private setting

Hosted 6 coffee mornings and afternoons to hear your concerns informally

Attended 122 constituency events and meetings with local schools, organisations, charities, businesses, and community groups

LOCAL MATTERS:

Local Bus Services – Campaigning for better and more reliable bus services to support our rural areas.

Farming and Inheritance Tax Relief – Raising issues surrounding inheritance tax relief for farms and the challenges farmers face.

Children’s Social Care – Ensuring better protection and support for children in care and their families.

School Accountability and Intervention – Speaking out for more support for schools and ensuring effective accountability measures.

Public Services & Rural Affairs – Championing funding and reforms for rural services, particularly in healthcare and education.

Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – Raising awareness and pushing for stronger action to protect children.

Social Care, Carer’s Allowance, and Special Educational Needs – Advocating for improved care for adults and children, including those with disabilities and additional needs.

Fair Trade – Supporting initiatives that promote ethical trade and fair wages for workers.

Local Authority Funding – Campaigning for better local authority funding to improve public services across Bishop Auckland.

Winter Fuel Payment & Cost of Living – Pressing the Government for better support for pensioners, and tackling the rising cost of living.

Planning, the Greenbelt, and Rural Affairs – Protecting our local environment, greenbelt areas, and addressing rural community needs.

Budget Resolutions and Farming Communities – Ensuring that farming communities are not forgotten in the national budget.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL MATTERS:

Impact of Conflict on Women and Girls – Raising awareness of the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls globally.

Northern Gaza & Syria – Speaking out on international crises, particularly the humanitarian situations in Gaza and Syria.

Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill – Spoke in the chamber regarding the need for improvement in Social and Palliative Care.

International Men’s Day – Advocating for issues facing men and boys locally and nationally, particularly in relation to mental health and equality.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association & International Committee of the Red Cross Bill – Working on international legislation related to humanitarian aid and global diplomacy.

Infected Blood Inquiry – Pushing for justice and accountability for those affected by the contaminated blood scandal.

Government Policy on Health – Addressing global health concerns and pushing for stronger international cooperation.

VAT on Independent Schools – Raising concerns over VAT on independent schools and its impact on families.

This is just the start. There is so much more to do, and I will continue working hard for you. If you need help with an issue, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

   Email Sam