News – Page 18 – Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon KCB

Annual Report 2015-16

Standing up for Sevenoaks and Swanley

oaks chamber of commerce Last May, I was honoured to be elected for the fifth time as your Member of Parliament.

Since the election, I have continued to work hard on behalf of all of my constituents. I hold two advice surgeries each month, as I have done consistently since 1997, and I regularly raise issues and concerns on your behalf. My Westminster office also deals with hundreds of emails and enquiries every week. I work closely with our county, district, town and parish councillors, as well as other organisations such as Kent Police, the Citizens Advice Bureau and West Kent Housing.

I remain closely involved in campaigns across Sevenoaks and Swanley. From fighting to save Hextable Dance Studio to defending Sevenoaks Hospital, I am proud to support my constituents and fight for our communities.

Supporting our local schools

Meeting pupils at Churchill Primary School in Westerham.

I am a strong supporter of schools across my constituency. Since the election I have visited schools in Westerham, Sundridge, Swanley, Sevenoaks, and elsewhere to speak to pupils and answer their questions about my work as MP.

Winning our campaign to secure grammar school provision last October was probably my best ever day as your MP. This decision was long in coming but the priority now is to get this annexe built and open for local parents and pupils. My next goal is to secure grammar provision for boys and I am working on this.

Getting a better deal for commuters

Inspecting the work in progress at London Bridge Station — Inspecting the work at London Bridge Station.

Our ageing railways cause a huge amount of frustration for commuters and passen

gers. Disruption may be the price of the vital work at London Bridge – but passengers need to know why they are delayed and what is being done about it. I was concerned to learn on a recent train cab ride that drivers are often unable to inform passengers about ongoing disruption and slow running while their train is in operation. Making sure drivers and passengers have rapid, clear and sufficent information is essential. I will continue to raise these issues with Southeastern to make rail travel easier for my constituents.

Bringing Oyster to Sevenoaks was another promise I made at the general election. Rail passengers have waited long enough and I will be meeting the Rail Minister again shortly to push for a definite date.

Fighting for our NHS services

Michael with representatives from the hospital and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust.

I am committed to our local NHS. We need to see more services in Sevenoaks, not fewer. That’s why I have continued to defend Sevenoaks Hospital against the threat of closure. The withdrawal of some clinics was concerning but I have secured assurances that these vital services will continue to be available for local people.

Protecting GP services is also important. There is a review of GP provision underway and I will ensure the views of local people are fully represented. The NHS is so much more than the big district hospitals like Pembury and Darent Valley; it works best where it is local and loved.

Boosting our local economy

Michael Fallon Darent Wax tour — Michael visiting the Darent Wax Company.

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In Sevenoaks and Swanley, our local economy is strong. Compared with 2010, there are 600 fewer people out of work, including 200 fewer young unemployed, and we have 600 more businesses. I see evidence of this progress on each of my regular constituency days. Since the election, I have visited businesses, shops and local sites throughout the constituency and I have more visits already planned for the next few months.

But there is still more to do to support our local economy. Broadband is a key issue that businesses and the Chamber of Commerce continue to raise with me. I have recently begun a fresh campaign to demand further action from BT. We need to make sure our local businesses and those who work from home have the broadband they need to thrive, wherever they are based.

Michael Reassured by Visit to Sevenoaks Hospital

Michael has announced that he is ‘reassured’ after a recent visit to Sevenoaks Hospital.

His visit came following recent changes to the outpatient services offered by Sevenoaks Hospital.

Following significant local concern, Michael secured assurances from West Kent CCG and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, that Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust would take over the clinics previously offered by King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

Michael was met at the hospital by David Griffiths, Chairman of Kent Community Health, Paul Bentley, Chief Executive, matron Rachel Nicholls and other representatives. They showed him the hospital’s wards and the Minor Injuries Unit, before accompanying him to Darent House, the former site of the Knole Centre. Mr Griffiths and Mr Bentley then briefed Michael on the latest developments at the hospital.

Michael meeting patients at Sevenoaks Hospital.

Michael said: “There has been some concern in Sevenoaks about the future of our hospital. Having visited, I am reassured that it will retain its vital role in our local NHS, taking pressure off acute hospitals like Pembury and Darent Valley. We need more local NHS care, not less, and I will continue to press for even more services to deliver the healthcare we need at Sevenoaks Hospital.”

Michael Declares Innovative New Housing Development Open

2016_05_13 - Michael Fallon and Steve Nunn at The Vales — Michael in front of The Vales with Steve Nunn, Executive Director, New Business & Development, at Moat Homes.

On Friday, Michael opened The Vales, a new affordable housing development near Bat & Ball Station in Sevenoaks.

The development is owned by Moat Homes, which has worked in collaboration with SDC to build 11 new properties. The properties are a mixture of shared ownership and affordable rent homes.

Michael spoke to the assembled guests, which included representatives from SDC and Moat and several of the new residents. He congratulated Moat on the development, which is built on the site of the former ambulance station, before joining guests for a tour of the new properties.

2016_05_13 - Moat at The Vales, Sevenoaks — The Vales

Michael said: “I was delighted to open The Vales. We need more housing in Sevenoaks but we also want to protect our environment and the Green Belt. This innovative scheme is an example of how collaboration between councils and developers is reinforcing the bottom rung of the housing ladder, helping young families to work towards owning their own home.”

Weald of Kent Grammar School’s Admissions Policy

In response to Weald of Kent’s proposal to exclude several parts of his constituency from Category A of its new admissions policy, Michael has made the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned about the proposal to exclude areas like Westerham, Brasted and Crockham Hill. The original proposals, published before the annexe was confirmed, recognised that the lack of grammar school provision in Sevenoaks meant that priority ought to be given to applicants from the area. Now that we have an annexe, it is even more important to ensure that the places go to local pupils.”

Michael Spends a Sunny Friday in Sevenoaks and Swanley

Michael with the Mayor of Sevenoaks and representatives from Prime Place.

Last Friday, Michael spent a busy day in Sevenoaks and Swanley. He visited Amherst School in the morning, answering pupils’ questions in a special assembly, before meeting local councillors in Swanley.

In the afternoon, he joined residents and staff of Gloucester House Nursing Home in Sevenoaks to celebrate its 25th anniversary celebrations.

Michael speaking to pupils at Amherst School.

Speaking about the visit, Michael said: “I was very pleased to help the staff and residents of Gloucester House to celebrate this anniversary. Speaking to the residents, it was clear that they have happy, fulfilled lives at the home thanks to its hardworking staff. That local, tailored approach is vital and we need to replicate it as much as possible.”

After speaking to residents, he travelled to Prime Place in the heart of Sevenoaks, where he joined the Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Stephen Arnold, to open the new sales and marketing suite. Commenting on the opening, Michael said: “I first visited Prime Place, Sevenoaks last year, when it was little more than a building site. It’s a pleasure to see how much progress has been made and I look forward to seeing the completed development next year.”

Column: Conversation, Companionship and Cake – All Part of Our Fight Against Dementia

In his latest column for the Sevenoaks Chronicle, Michael has written about the challenge of dementia:

Dementia is one of the biggest challenges facing our country. There are an estimated 850,000 sufferers in the UK. In Sevenoaks there are almost 600. Dementia costs the economy £23 billion a year – more than the costs of cancer, heart disease or strokes.

It is a situation that is only going to become more serious. By 2040, the number of dementia sufferers is expected to double, with the costs predicted to treble.

I recently visited the Forget-me-not Memory Café run by local volunteers. Despite only starting in October last year, it already attracts dozens of dementia sufferers and their carers. They come for conversation, companionship and cake. My first question for them was “where did you go before this?” The answer of course was “nowhere”.

The Memory Café is bringing people together, many of whom would otherwise rarely leave their own homes. The problem is that these initiatives are few and far between.

We are making some progress. Since 2010, a 50 percent increase in our dementia diagnosis rate has made it the highest in the world. Local NHS organisations tell me that they are working positively with the voluntary sector. Fewer people with dementia now have to travel long distances to unfamiliar surroundings for treatment.

But there is still more to do to achieve the ambitious goal set in last year’s ‘Challenge on Dementia 2020’ for the UK to be the best country in the world for dementia care and support for sufferers, their carers and their families.

For too many people, there is still “nowhere”. But with initiatives like the Memory Café, we know how to start fighting the challenge of dementia. The priority now is to make sure we do it.

Michael Opens Sevenoaks Business Show

Biz Show_22-4-16_053 — Michael with representatives from the Sevenoaks Chamber of Commerce.

On Friday, Michael opened the fifth annual Sevenoaks Business Show at the Stag Plaza.

In his speech, Michael spoke about the 600 new businesses that have been established in Sevenoaks since 2010 and the constituency’s historic low level of unemployment, which has fallen by sixty percent since 2010. He also referred to the Government’s support for the ‘South East Accelerator’ with lower business rates and corporation tax.

Biz Show_22-4-16_020 — Michael speaking to attendees at the show.

Michael concluded by saying: “This is the fifth annual show and each year there is more and more evidence of the incredible success of our local enterprises. I am always proud to be Patron of the Sevenoaks Town Partnership – but I am never more proud than when I open this annual Business Show.”

Following his speech, Michael spent time speaking to each of the 32 businesses with a stall at the show and meeting a number of local apprentices.

Victory in Michael’s Campaign to Save Vellum

MF with vellum — Michael during a recent visit to Patricia Lovett’s studio.

Michael has helped to secure victory in the campaign to continue the use of vellum for printing Acts of Parliament.

On Wednesday evening, he joined MPs from all parties in supporting a backbench motion to oppose the decision by the House of Lords to unilaterally end the use of vellum. The Commons voted 117 to 38 to approve the motion.

Michael said: “I was proud to vote for this motion. Vellum is a vital part of our national heritage. The strong cross-party support of the House of Commons for its continued use is welcome. The short-sighted attempt to end this tradition must now cease.”

Local calligrapher Patricia Lovett, who was in Parliament to watch the debate, said: “The success of the campaign is an indication of how democracy can work. I am so grateful to Michael Fallon for the interest that he has shown in the campaign, his support, and the work he has done to ensure that the significance of vellum and the actual cost, £37,000, was made known in Westminster.”

Michael Fights for Sevenoaks Hospital

Michael has launched a defiant defence of Sevenoaks Hospital following the announcement that King’s College Hospital Trust is to withdraw its services.

He recently demanded assurances that the hospital will remain open from the local Clinical Commissioning Group and Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, which operates the other services at the hospital.

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In a response, Dr Bob Bowes, Clinical Chair of West Kent CCG, confirmed that all patients seen under existing arrangements will either continue to be seen at Sevenoaks, but by Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust staff, or will transfer their appointments to Princess Royal University Hospital.

Dr Bowes also confirmed that Sevenoaks Hospital is part of a wider review of local health services. Michael is concerned about this process and will continue to watch developments closely.

Michael said: “I have always defended Sevenoaks Hospital against the threat of closure. I am as determined as ever to protect the vital services it offers for local people. I want to see more services in Sevenoaks, not less.”

Michael is currently awaiting a response from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust and has requested a meeting with the Chief Executive.

Michael Welcomed To Age Concern’s Refurbished Shop

Michael with Liam Curran and Trustees and staff of Rural Age Concern Darent Valley.

Last Friday Michael visited Age Concern’s charity shop in the heart of Swanley. The recently-refurbished shop supports the work of Rural Age Concern Darent Valley.

Michael is a strong supporter of the charity’s services, which include the Cottage Day Centre in Fawkham.

Michael was met by Chief Officer Liam Curran, who showed him the state-of-the-art till system that has been introduced into the shop. They were joined by local district councillor Fay Parkin and some of the charity’s Trustees.

On his latest regular day in Sevenoaks and Swanley, Michael also visited local businesses and met Chief Inspector Roscoe Walford of Kent Police to receive an update on falling crime levels in the constituency.