Government's policies at grass roots level

Havant MP Alan Mak looks back at the past week in his constituency and Westminster, and introduces ministers to residents
Alan Mak MP with new homeowner Jodie Reddin and housing minister Gavin Barwell MPAlan Mak MP with new homeowner Jodie Reddin and housing minister Gavin Barwell MP
Alan Mak MP with new homeowner Jodie Reddin and housing minister Gavin Barwell MP

EVERY national decision taken by the government has an impact on the lives of people at a local level, both across Havant and all around the country.

That is why I always strive, as your local MP, to bring government ministers to Havant so they can see first-hand some of the success stories at a grass roots level in our communities.

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Over the past year, I’ve worked hard on this, and had a good run.

Last week, both the schools minister and the housing minister were in the constituency seeing how Havant is thriving, and to meet some local residents whose lives are being transformed by specific policies.

For instance, without the Help to Buy shared ownership scheme, Bedhampton mum-of-two Jodie Reddin would never have been able to get on the housing ladder.

She was delighted to show me and housing minister Gavin Barwell around what she describes as her ‘forever home’ – a place that gives her and her family stability and longevity.

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The scheme is open to anyone with a household income of below £80,000, and it has transformed Jodie’s life.

In Leigh Park, Nick Gibb, the schools minister, was given a tour of Havant Academy, which is the most improved school in England thanks to the academisation policy that has given underachieving schools fresh impetus.

We met pupils who are delighted by the new school building and great classroom facilities which has transformed their learning experience.

Having visited Riders Infant and Junior Schools last week too, I have now almost reached my goal of visiting every primary and secondary school in the constituency.

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It’s clear that executive head Lisa Dunning and her staff are doing an incredible job.

Good luck to Alan Priddy and his team who are trying to break the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in a powerboat.

I had a chance to see the boat being built last week on Hayling Island.

Keep Friday, October 14, free for my Havant Older Persons’ Information Fair.

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Taking place at the Hayling Island Community Centre from 10am to 3pm, it brings together a number of charities, government agencies, businesses and community groups to showcase what is on offer for older residents locally.

Please visit AlanMak.org.uk to sign-up for my new residents’ newsletter.