Below you can read my February Column published in the Telford Journal on Thursday 6 February 2025.
In 2025, my commitment to you remains the same – I will continue working tirelessly every day to stand up for Telford, drive progress in our community, and serve our country.
January was a busy and productive month, during which I supported over 400 constituents who reached out to me. I also launched my first ‘Call with Shaun’— which are telephone and online appointments to make it even easier for residents to talk to me about the issues that matter most to them. These sessions are in addition to my face-to-face surgeries and coffee events. You can find all upcoming dates on my website.
Telford residents tell me time and again that public services are failing, and the economy is making life tougher. As a government, we’ve started the year with real progress on key local issues. Telford & Wrekin Council will receive up to £14.8 million in core spending power—an 8.1% boost after 14 years of cuts. As a former council leader, I know how vital this is. Plus, up to £7 million will go toward fixing roads and potholes—millions more than under the last Government. I’ll keep fighting for the funding needed to rebuild and improve the services we all rely on.
The NHS and social care are overwhelmingly the areas where you tell me action is most urgently needed. I’m working to secure a better deal for Telford—tackling the backlog and cutting wait times from 18 months to 18 weeks. Right now, 84,851 patients are on the Telford and Shropshire NHS waiting list, with 42,066 waiting over 18 weeks for care. To make sure your voice is heard in national healthcare reforms, I’ve launched a local NHS survey covering GPs, dentists, social care, and hospitals. Your feedback will help shape the Government’s 10-Year Health Plan. Have your say here.
Driving economic growth is this Government’s top priority to put more money in people’s pockets. The Chancellor has pledged to go further and faster to improve living standards, with £240 million to help people back to work. Our Youth Guarantee also ensures every young person has access to education or training. If someone you know needs support, I encourage you to check out the Telford Skills Show this March at the Telford International Centre—the region’s largest event of its kind.
Finally, you can keep up to date by signing up to my weekly email updates. Thank you for your continued support.
