18th January 2025 Newsletter
Back to Westminster
I was pleased to get my feet back under the desk in Westminster on 6th January, when Parliament returned from the winter recess. While our hard work did not stop over the festive period, it was wonderful to enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Since returning I have hit the ground running, here is my latest update...
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Before Christmas I shared in the House of Commons chamber the issues affecting constituents across Guildford and our villages who are struggling to access SEND support and the pressure this puts on families.
Since returning, I have already raised the problems of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services which is directly linked to the issues in SEND provision. Yet, because of the significant input required from NHS specialists, CAMHS sits in the remit of health, not education.
CAMHS referrals can take up to 3 years, leaving young people without support or a diagnosis. This wait has wide ranging implications and can have a deeply damaging effect on a young person's mental health.
I have heard too many stories from local residents of young people and their families are being failed by the current system and it is time that this comes to an end.
This is why I asked the Minister how this Labour government will be working to recruit and train more professionals to clear the CAHMS backlog and ensure that going forward the service is able to response in good time to requests for assessments and support.
You can watch my speech in full here.
Fighting for local democracy
As I am sure you may have heard, Surrey County Council are moving to postpone May’s local elections. I find this deeply concerning and I’ve hear from many of you who feel similar.
With so many issues facing Surrey County Council - from the appalling state of our roads to the crisis in Special Education Needs and serious failings in Child Safeguarding – residents across Guildford constituency and Surrey as a whole deserve their democratic right to hold elected officials to account.
While I acknowledge the problems within local government, and understand the need for urgent and meaningful change, Surrey County Council has not developed plans that address the significant and complex issues that we face locally.
Alongside the 5 other Surrey Liberal Democrat MPs, I have written to the Government to ask that the Surrey County Council elections go ahead as planned and give us more time as a county to thoroughly consider any changes.
Our position is supported by all members of the Surrey Leaders Group, which is a cross-party group that brings together the leaders of all the Districts and Boroughs of Surrey, as well as the MPs representing the residents and businesses of Surrey.
Community News
Guildford’s Show Racism the Red Card winning entry!
I would like to congratulate Royal Grammar School student, Aahan, on his winning entry to the Show Racism the Red Card competition – the largest anti-racism education competition for schools in the UK.
Aahan was one of 25,000 entrants and came 2nd overall in the All Ages T-Shirt Design Category. I was pleased to be able to visit RGS on 9th January to congratulate him in person. (attach photo)
Crowdfund Guildford Spring round now open!
Crowdfund Guildford provides funding for community projects, offering support for ideas that really matter to our community. You can find out more about Crowdfund Guildford and the projects supported by the scheme so far.
If you have an idea that you think could benefit Guildford, the deadline for project submissions is Wednesday 12 March.
You can also register for a place at a free online workshop on 28th January aimed at equipping fundraisers with the know-how, tools, and confidence you need to start your crowdfunding campaign.
Nominations for The Mayor of Guildford's Award for Service to the Community 2025 are now open
This award recognises those who have gone above and beyond to serve the local community.
If you're know any individuals, groups or organisations that are doing outstanding work in the community to improve the lives of others and foster good relationships in Guildford borough, please help celebrate their achievements by nominating them for the award.
Call for views on housing strategies
Guildford Borough Council are asking residents to give their views on two new housing strategies. These comprehensives strategies cover housing and homelessness and the plans aim to address current challenges, meet future housing needs, and ensure that every resident has a safe and suitable place to call home.
You can give feedback that will be considered as part of the annual review of the strategies by following this link.
Travel updates
Line closure between Guildford and Gatwick Airport from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 February 2025
Whilst engineers complete a number of critical upgrades on the North Downs Line, rail replacement buses will be running from Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 February between Guildford and Redhill (stopping at all stations) and Guildford and Gatwick Airport (running direct). You can stay up to date with the works progress here.
A3 Closure January 2025
The A3 is closed again in both directions this weekend between the M25 junction 10 Wisley Interchange and the B2215/A247 at Send whilst the beams for the seventh of eight bridges are installed. This closure is in force from 9pm Friday 17 January to 6am on Monday 20 January.
Lane closure North Street
A lane closure is now in place for the right-hand lane of North Street (between Leapale Road and Woodbridge Road) for several weeks to enable utilities work.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding this lane closure, more information is available from Surrey County Council.
And finally...
I’m really excited by what 2025 has to offer and I look forward to my first full year as Guildford constituencies Member of Parliament.
If you need my help, have any comments or suggestions, or if you feel there is a pressing issue you’d like me to raise, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at zoe.franklin.mp@parliament.uk.