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

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

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 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

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

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

Sue Ryder in Cinderford has been a big part of our community for almost two decades. Since being elected, I've heard from so many constituents whose families have been supported by the charity, all speaking about the compassion, care and reassurance they've received during some of their most difficult moments. It was great to visit their Cinderford shop, meet the team, and hear first-hand about the difference they're making to the lives of so many local people. As a charity,

Last week I visited Hartpury and took Ted and Aleksia, two work-experience students, along with me. It was a great chance to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing further and higher education—particularly with two young people who will be directly impacted. I’m pleased that college recruitment remains strong at Hartpury, a reflection of their broad range of courses and widespread reputation for leading the way in sport. Infrastructure was also a big part of the conv

Two years ago, I was elected as your Member of Parliament. Since then, it has been a privilege to represent the Forest of Dean and champion the people, businesses and communities that make our area so special. Over the past two years, I've worked hard to ensure the voices of the Forest of Dean have been heard—whether that's standing up for better SEND provision, launching my annual Mock Parliament programme to empower local students, supporting action to tackle violence again

Last week I attended the Be Internet Legends assembly at Coalway Junior School and joined the teams from Parent Zone and Google to talk about the importance of staying safe online. It was brilliant to see KS1 and KS2 pupils taking part in such an engaging and interactive session, learning valuable skills to help them recognise scams and misinformation, protect their personal information, be kind online, and know when to ask a trusted adult for help. As children spend more tim

The works along the A40 have already caused huge upheaval and massive congestion for people in the Forest of Dean. For many of you, these closures will have affected, and will continue to affect, your journeys to work, access to healthcare appointments, school runs, local businesses’ operations, and everyday life. I fully understand and share your frustrations. What Forest of Dean residents are being forced to endure is not good enough. These repairs are essential to keep