The Borough of Swindon is set within a beautiful landscape, and ever since first becoming Member of Parliament here in South Swindon back in 2010, I have worked hard alongside local residents to protect that landscape and the scenic beauty of the North Wessex Downs Area of Natural Beauty (AONB).
This area is undoubtedly among Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, and like so many fellow residents and friends, I enjoy my days out on the Ridgeway and visiting Barbury and Liddington Castles, they are such an important part of our historic local landscape.
In national planning policy, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks have the same highest level of protection from damaging development. However, in practice, AONBs suffer much more harm from built development within their boundaries and in their settings than National Parks, which is why I am pleased to be leading the campaign calling on Natural England to upgrade the North Wessex Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty into a National Park.
Along with Laura Farris MP, Danny Kruger MP, Sir Alok Sharma MP, and Kit Malthouse MP, we have written a joint letter to the Chair of Natural England calling for the upgrading of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which runs through all of our constituencies.
The North Wessex Downs are treasured and enjoyed by so many local residents here in South Swindon and it is my firm belief that, as a Member of Parliament, I have a responsibility to do all I can to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area for all local residents and indeed our future generations to come.
Last night I was very pleased to have the opportunity to speak in Parliament as part of the planned hospice debate. I have worked very closely with the dedicated team at the Prospect Hospice over the years. This debate was also important for Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, which I regularly visit in Devizes, and serves the area of Wiltshire and Dorset.
Both of these wonderful hospices have grown and thrived over the years, due to the generosity and goodwill of our local community. In fact, 30% of Prospect Hospice’s income comes from fundraising appeals and activities. Another 31% comes from the profit made at the local charity shops in our area, and another 11% of hospice funding comes from legacy because legacy gifts are vitally important. Along with other investment income, this brings the total amount to around 75% with another 25% coming from our statutory services – our Integrated Care Board. However, the pressure of inflation has affected our hospices with costs increasing significantly.
The sad challenge that we have faced at Prospect Hospice is that we’ve had to decrease the number of beds from 12 to 6 and we’ve also had to close the day therapy unit. That unit was invaluable and the support that it offered to people at the end of their lives is greatly missed here in Swindon. The Covid pandemic also wreaked havoc with regard to the fundraising activity of hospices, and as a result of this, we are facing a funding shortfall, which is going to be very difficult to make up. This is why I was glad to speak at this important debate and highlight the issues faced by Prospect Hospice and Julia’s House in Parliament, on behalf of all local residents here in South Swindon, as well as the hospices themselves.
