Richard Benyon

The Government have been holding a consultation on the future of district courts, including West Berkshire.  Along with local Magistrates, the District Council, Thames Valley Police, the CAB and others  I am fighting hard to keep this vital local service. You can read my submission to the consultation here.

Court Consultation 1

Court Consultation 2

Funding

West Berkshire is deemed by the Government only to require a third per head of the amount spent on Social Services than say, Middlesbrough. This means that it is harder to be poor, mentally ill, sick, or in need of social care in Newbury than many areas which score higher up the deprivation index. Richard has campaigned for a fairer funding settlement for West Berkshire

Trains

Richard’s Save the Trains campaign succeeded in getting an improved rail service for West Berkshire. This included getting longer trains running which reduced overcrowding, improvements to the timetable and the saving of the late night service from London. Richard provided a direct means for West Berkshire commuters to be able to give their views to those at the top of First Great Western, the train operating company.

Post Offices

Richard ran a campaign across West Berkshire to get the Government to change its plans to close 5 post offices. Despite the fact that thousands registered their opposition to the Government's proposals, the closures went ahead. There is now an ongoing campaign to protect the remaining post offices.

Fuel Poverty

30% of West Berkshire residents do not have access to mains gas. They therefore have no alternative to using oil or electricity to heat their homes. Richard has campaigned for improvements to the Warm Front scheme and for a greater understanding in Government about the limited choices for people living in rural communities.

Pubs

With around 50 pubs closing a week across Britain, Richard co-authored the Community Pub Inquiry in Parliament which recommended changes in Government Policy to support pubs at this difficult time. Locally, he held a Pub Summit with publicans, the Council and brewers in order to ensure that everyone is working together to assist pubs in remaining viable businesses.

Supporting Businesses in the Recession

As the recession began to bite, Richard organised an event for 150 business managers to assist them in coping with the recession. Held at Newbury College, it brought together a variety of different organisations and skills to provide free advice on how to cope with the downturn.

Flooding

West Berkshire suffered some of the worst flooding in 2007. Richard has given evidence to the EFRA Select Committee Inquiry into the floods and to the Government's inquiry chaired by Sir Michael Pitt. He has worked with local Councils and the Environment Agency to reduce the chances of a repeat of these devastating floods. His aim now is to restrict the sharp increases to premiums and excess charges faced by residents in areas that flooded.

Protection of green open spaces in villages and towns.

Infill developments are changing the character of our towns and villages. Richard has supported attempts in Parliament to change the definition of Brownfield land so that it no longer includes gardens. It is this loophole that allows houses with gardens be redeveloped as high density housing, often with adverse impact on the local community.

Help for Heroes

Following a visit to Birmingham’s Selly Oak Hospital to visit the wounded, Richard got involved in campaigning for service men and women wounded in conflict. He hosted a day's racing for wounded servicemen at Newbury Racecourse. Following this and other related activities he became a founding Trustee of the Charity Help for Heroes.

Newbury Town

The Town has seen a fair amount of disruption in recent months due to two important developments taking place in different parts of the Town Centre. Richard remains optimistic for Newbury's future. It benefits from being at the cross-roads of the south of England and is deemed by most who know or use it to be a good place to work and to do business. Its situation at the heart of the Thames Valley economy, but surrounded by stunning landscape means it has a great present, but an even brighter future.