Today, our office is beginning an important upgrade to our casework systems as part of a planned digital transition. During this period, we will be temporarily unable to contact constituents, and our ability to access casework information may be briefly limited while information is securely transferred into our new system. If you have a phone call or appointment booked with my office, please be aware that this may be affected. We appreciate your patience and understanding whi

Gloucestershire Constabulary has seen a significant increase in calls, with more than 11,000 emergency 999 calls in July alone. This means our emergency services are under increasing pressure. Please only call 999 if there is: A crime in progress An immediate threat to life A situation requiring an urgent police response If your issue isn't an emergency, please use 101 or report it online via Gloucestershire Police. This helps keep emergency lines free for those who need them

I've been contacted by constituents whose lives have been affected by lobular breast cancer, and I've heard first-hand about the challenges they face. Their experiences underline why this research is so important. On Wednesday 9th September, a silent vigil will take place in Whitehall ahead of Prime Minister's Questions, bringing together 1,000 people to represent the 1,000 people diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer around the world every day. If you, your family or

Please see the table below that outlines when and where closures are taking place during the M48 Severn Bridge resurfacing Trial. Feel free to save this post and share it with anyone who may benefit from having all of the information in one place. I know these closures, alongside the major works on the A40, are having a significant impact on many of you. Please be assured that I am in regular contact with National Highways, raising your concerns and sharing your experiences d

Come Join Me for a Coffee and a Chat! If you live in or near Forthampton, come grab a coffee and have a chat with me! I’m hosting a drop-in Coffee Morning on Friday, 7th August, 10:00 am–12:00 pm, and I want to hear what matters most to you—both locally and nationally. Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/coffee-morning-with-matt-tickets-1995668973622 Or contact my office at 01594 540534 or matt.bishop.mp@parliament.uk, and we’ll add you manually. For clarity: Specifi

Gloucestershire County Council has announced changes to the way DIY waste is disposed of at Household Recycling Centres, with new charges being introduced for waste that exceeds the free allowance. I have written to GCC myself and received a response. Please see that letter below. I know this will frustrate and worry many of you, so I have created a survey to hear your views and understand exactly how these new charges will impact you. In summary, GCC have confirmed: GCC say

I recently chaired the second meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Emotional Support for Parent Carers of Seriously Ill and Disabled Children, continuing my support for the important work of Harry's Pals and the families at the heart of its campaign. We heard powerful contributions highlighting the urgent need for better mental health support for parent carers. Harry's Pals has been leading the call for parents to be offered free specialised counselling when

Have you read my latest column in The Forester? This week I talk about the Government's Great British Summer Savings scheme and what it means for families and businesses across the Forest of Dean. From cheaper family days out and children's meals, to free bus travel throughout August for children aged 5–15 in England, these measures will help families make the most of the summer while easing the pressure on household budgets. I also explain how local businesses can get involv

I'm pleased that this week we've announced a number of decisions that will help people with the cost of living and make it that little bit easier for businesses across the Forest of Dean. VAT removed from electricity bills from this October. A 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues next year, helping the businesses at the heart of our communities. A £2 cap on bus fares across England from January 2027, alongside free bus travel for children this Au

I know how frustrating the roads are currently across the Forest of Dean, with multiple works happening at once. I've been pushing for answers and action on several major issues: Wye Bridge, Tutshill – I met with both Gloucestershire County Council and Monmouthshire County Council this week to press for a clear timeline on repairs and, crucially, when motorists will be able to use the bridge again. I will be sharing the results of that meeting soon. If you're affected, please

One of the first things I did since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, was to write to him regarding the provisions in the Sentencing Act that allow for the early release of prisoners. I am pleased, and relieved, that the Prime Minister is reconsidering this part of the Act. We cannot allow offenders convicted of crimes against women and girls—including rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, and child abuse—to be released early. It was for these reasons that I abstained on th

It's great to see the first residents moving into Platform Housing Group’s Ellwood Place development in Coleford. The development will provide 47 affordable homes for local people, including homes for social rent, shared ownership and rent-to-buy. With the first families moving in now and the remaining homes due to be completed by November, it's a really positive step for the Forest of Dean. We know there's a real need for more affordable housing locally, so it's great to see

If you're facing financial hardship, you may be able to get some help through the Government's new Crisis and Resilience Fund. This support may be available if you're: •Struggling to afford food or other essentials. •Finding it difficult to pay your energy or water bills. •Facing an unexpected emergency or financial crisis. •Worried about keeping your home warm or safe. •In need of short-term support to get back on your feet. Find out more about the fund here: https://www.gov

This week saw a moment to celebrate the community spirit found across Gloucestershire, highlighting our fantastic villages here in the Forest of Dean. The Gloucestershire Village of the Year Awards, hosted by the Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, celebrated the community-focused work being done by villages right across the county. I am very pleased that two of our villages were recognised during the awards and given credit for the great work they do in their communitie

This week, I wrote to National Highways again, reiterating the urgency of your concerns regarding the works at the A40 Over Bridge. In the letter below, I have updated them on your real experiences day to day since these works began, which many of you have told me about yourselves. It’s not okay that emergency services cannot get through, people are having to be put out of pocket so they can attend essential appointments and work commitments, redundancies are being made and b

Earlier this week, the Forest Health Forum, Forest Voluntary Action Forum - FVAF, healthcare professionals and local residents came together for the Big Health Debate to discuss some of the biggest healthcare challenges facing our communities. The discussions highlighted a range of important topics, including mental health and wellbeing, access to NHS dentistry, and GP services. Most importantly, the event gave residents the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns an

I know the disruption caused by the A40 Over Bridge works is having a huge impact on your lives. That's why I've created this WhatsApp Channel—to make sure everyone affected has access to clear, timely updates in one place. By following the channel, you'll receive: Updates on the action I'm taking to press for improvements and reduce the impact on you. The latest information on the works and any expected changes. Important announcements as soon as they're available. I'll use

The summer holidays are about to get cheaper for families! Until the 1st of September, VAT on children's attractions is dropping from 20% to 5%. And that means saving money on attractions in the Forest of Dean and beyond! Across the country, from theme parks and soft play to cinema and children’s meals in restaurants, Labour is cutting the cost of a day out this summer. Every child aged 5 to 15 in England will be able to benefit from free bus travel all summer, too. I want to

Last week, I attended the David Vaisey Awards, which recognises the great work being done to promote reading and literacy across Gloucestershire. It was great to see both Forest of Dean Libraries and Newnham St Peter's C of E Primary School shortlisted. Their commitment to encouraging reading and supporting learning is making a real difference in our communities. The winners will be announced later this year at the Cheltenham Literature Festival. A huge congratulations to eve

Last week, I took the opportunity to speak with residents about the Local Plan. I know many of you are directly affected, and with work on the revised Local Plan under the Gateway Approach now set to begin, it is more important than ever that local voices are heard and reflected in the decisions being made. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts and concerns with me. I'll be monitoring the revised plan closely and working to ensure it delivers for loca