It’s a worrying time for farmers as we move to a new system of paying farmers public money for public goods, post Brexit, but there are new opportunities too.
95% of premises in Thirsk and Malton should be connected by 2021 and I have put forward proposals to the Digital Secretary, Matt Hancock, for fixed wireless alternatives for the remaining businesses and households still waiting to be connected.
This week I raised the issue of ‘sleep-in’ payments with both the Chancellor, Philip Hammond, and the First Secretary of State, Damien Green. These are overnight care arrangements, provided by staff that sleep on-site, responding to emergency requests for support.
I have worked closely with North Yorkshire County Council to develop their Draft Minerals and Waste Plan, which offers significant protection to our precious landscapes and existing local economies.
At a meeting with Highways England at the end of January, I strongly urged them to make the dual carriageway to Barton Hill a priority over the flyover, which has been proposed.
