News From Westminster Over the last few months I have
been sending out postal surveys to constituents asking for their views. The survey covers a range of issues, focusing on communications infrastructure, including broadband and mobile reception. I am delighted by the
number of responses, with many people taking the time to respond, sometimes in great detail. I will continue to send these out, and I’m considering all the results and using them as evidence in my meetings with service providers and Ministers.
One issue that comes up frequently are the concerns people have about housing. There is a need for more housing so that local people have a place to live – particularly younger people looking to get on the property ladder. But this must be balanced with protections for our greenbelt, and ensuring that we are not simply covering our beautiful landscape. This is a diffi cult balance to get right, and I would welcome your thoughts on this subject. But it is especially important for us here in Dorset, where house prices are some of the highest in the country. Crucially, in my view, when we build houses it should be to address the needs of our local area fi rst.
You can’t discuss homes without considering the issue of homelessness, which is a challenge for every government. I was really pleased to be able to support the Homelessness Reduction Act through Parliament, including sitting on the Bill Committee to ensure that it was the best piece of legislation possible. This law will require earlier intervention by councils to prevent homelessness, becoming the fi rst major piece of homelessness
Distribution of The Broadstone Link into homes alternates across BH18 each month. If you don’t receive a copy at home, you can pick one up at the library, Post Offi ce, Junction Leisure Centre, Hadleigh Practice, Tesco Express or newsagents.
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legislation for 15 years. But I believe that actions often speak louder than words, which is why I spent a cold night in late November sleeping outside on a piece of cardboard. I did this with a local youth group, raising awareness of homelessness, and also raising money for the charity Routes to Roots in Poole. Some of their volunteers came to speak to the young people, to explain how we can help, and some of the reasons why people may become homeless. I was particularly pleased that so many teenagers joined in the event, helping to raise a signifi cant amount of money, whilst also learning from the experts about the different causes of homelessness and what we can do to help.
I have also recently visited Waverley house in Wimborne. This is run by BCHA, which is a local specialist housing and support provider, who help homeless and vulnerable people access the right housing, health, learning and work opportunities. I often meet local housing associations, and I hear fi rst-hand from constituents about the issues they have with housing, homelessness and the challenges of fi nding somewhere to live close to where they work, or where their children are at school.
I continue to hold regular surgeries for constituents all year round and if you have an issue that you need help with, please do get in touch.
Michael Tomlinson MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole
michael.tomlinson.mp@
parliament.uk 01202 624216 •
www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk @Michael4MDNP
www.facebook.com/michael4MDNP
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