Read my latest news and views…
Autumn Budget 2025 Residents’ Survey
Rachel Reeves has launched a £26 billion tax raid on working people to pay for yet more welfare spending. Instead of backing growth, this Budget expands the welfare state and leaves families wondering how they can afford Labour’s ever-rising taxes.
There was a better way: cutting wasteful spending and using savings to reduce taxes. Instead, the Government has chosen the path of a bigger welfare state and a weaker economy.
PCC supports “changing young lives at sea” initiative
40 young people in Milton Keynes have been given a life-changing voyage with the Tall Ships Trust, building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills due to funding from the Community Fund.
Will the demise of Police & Crime Commissioners save money?
The Home Office has announced the abolition of Police & Crime Commissioners, describing the role as “a failed experiment” and claiming massive savings.
In reality it is a thinly veiled move in the direction of centralisation and a loss of operational independence.
Launch of a dedicated road victim service
The aim of the Thames Valley-wide road victim service is to provide a support service that offers advocacy, emotional and practical support to residents seriously injured as a result of a road traffic incident.
The service will aim to enable road traffic collision victims to be able to support themselves independently or through an appropriate peer support network, with referrals coming into the service from Thames Valley Police Family Liaison Officers or the Serious Collision Investigation Team.
Oxfordshire County Council presses ahead with damaging changes to Recycling Centres
Oxfordshire County Council are pressing ahead with changes to the county’s local recycling centres which will make it harder for residents to dispose of waste properly and will increase the risk of criminal fly-tipping.
Government announces PCCs to be abolished
Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, responds to the announcement of the abolition of Police and Crime Commissioners.