This month I’d like to cover some of the big announcements locally and in national government recently.
Firstly, I’ll cover the progression of the Drone Hub and my reiteration to the new DEFRA Secretary that she should take Thames Water in Special Measures, and then I’ll discuss some of the announcements in the budget designed to help families over the winter period.
The first exciting piece of news is Isembard, an incredible British manufacturing success focused on bringing back manufacturing to the UK, has established a satellite in Swindon to support the production of drones, nuclear energy and other items for customers including Rowden’s and TEKEKVER.
They’re a truly innovative and impressive company that will bring investment and employment to Swindon whilst supporting the Drone Hub’s growth and I’m so pleased to add them as the tenth company in the Swindon Drone Hub.
Jon Healey MP, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, recently revealed his 2026 budget, with key measures designed to offer some breathing space in what has been a difficult period, with the war in Iran and Ukraine still increasing costs here at home.
The Chancellor noted that whilst government can’t overcome every price shock, there are things the government are doing to reduce the pressure, like the £100 one-off energy payment for households in Council Tax bands A to D, the removal or reduction of tariffs on over 100 items including citrus jams, plant-based beverages, chocolate-coated waffles and also removing tariffs on fertiliser to support farmers and production of domestic food.
Over the past few months, I’ve also been communicating with the DEFRA Secretary and urging her to take Thames Water in Special Measures after their announcement to seek an extra £2.4bn from creditors to survive until 2027.
This marks to me that their business model has failed after years of under-investment and siphoning billions to shareholders.
An essential service like water should be run for the people and by the people to ensure any profits are re-invested in public infrastructure like reservoirs or sewerage systems.
Therefore, I will continue to push for this important change.
As always if you need support from me or my office please do get in touch at Will.stone.mp@parliament.uk
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