Gideon's MP Column

After record rainfall here in Taunton and Wellington, I have spent as much time as possible visiting families and businesses affected by flooding in Stathe, Burrowbridge and across the constituency.

When David Cameron visited after the 2014 floods, he claimed money would be no object. Yet he went on to establish the only rivers authority in the country that central government does not fund. Instead, Somerset residents pay for it through Council Tax. He must have meant our money was no object!

Despite these funding challenges, the Somerset Rivers Authority has spent much of the past year dredging sections of the Parrett and Tone. Without that work, the recent flooding could have been far worse.

While the Environment Agency worked quickly to bring pumps to Somerset, we need permanent, larger pumps that can be switched on immediately so precious days are not lost as water levels rise. Saltmoor Pumping Station, built in the nineteenth century, is long overdue an upgrade.

Meanwhile, families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have been dreading the new announcements. While any new investment is welcome, proposals to reassess children’s Education, Health and Care Plans when they move schools or appeal decisions, and to limit tribunals’ powers to direct placements, raise serious concerns.

If these changes are intended to reduce the number of children receiving specialist support, the proposed funding increases for mainstream settings, around £20,000-£40,000 for primary schools and £50,000-£70,000 for secondary schools, will leave families and children short changed.

Timescales must be sped up. Disabled children cannot continue waiting months or years for support. Special schools should be properly invested in, not cut back.

I and the Liberal Democrats will always stand by children’s rights in this process. Their voices, and those of their families, must be heard.

Many will also share my anger at the profits being made by private providers. Research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats showed that one company is creaming off a staggering £44 million in profit, while another made £50 million – profits from children who need support.

There should be a cap on excessive profits as part of the tests the Liberal Democrats have called for.

Somerset Council’s Leader and SEND spokesperson for the County Councils Network, Bill Revans, has been battling for more funding.

After establishing that councils’ home-to-school transport costs will rise by 70 per cent to £3.4 billion this year, he lobbied ministers for more resources for Somerset, working with local MPs.

As a result, Council Tax in Somerset will rise by no more than 4.99 per cent, rather than the significantly higher increase initially indicated in the government’s provisional settlement.

It is encouraging to see councillors working together to tackle serious financial challenges while maintaining a lower council tax rate than Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire and many other areas.

During Parliament’s recess, I also spent time at Taunton Foodbank and with Open Door, which provides meals and support for homeless people.

I am constantly struck by the generosity of people across Taunton and Wellington who support these charities, even though foodbanks should not be necessary in modern Britain.

In Rockwell Green, I was pleased to support Wellington Town Council by-election candidate, now Cllr George Western. I first met George through the Magic Dentist charity and it is excellent to see that work expanding locally.

After we gained a new NHS dentist in Wellington, I am also supporting efforts to open another pharmacy in the town following recent closures.

When I reached out to Allied Pharmacies, I was pleased to receive positive news and I’m hopeful an announcement will be made soon.