South Shropshire MP's column - the latest from Stuart Anderson

I am writing to you during my recovery from reconstructive surgery on my foot following an injury sustained in my time serving in the Army. I suffered a high velocity gunshot wound during a live firing attack at the age of just 17, which shattered my foot and has required treatment ever since. I am using this opportunity to highlight the ongoing physical and mental impact that ex-service personnel face.

While I may be unable to be in Parliament during my recovery, I continue to table Written Parliamentary Questions every day on issues that constituents raise and have arranged for another MP to vote on my behalf as a proxy. I have enjoyed the various meetings that can still take place online, such as discussing business support with Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and meeting with leaders from local NHS services. As I return to physical engagements in the area, I am chairing a meeting with stakeholders to address the disrepair of Ludlow Town Walls, an issue that has gone on far too long.

I am delighted that the Government has accepted my request to extend a key scheme which helps local places of worship with the cost of conservation projects. The extra £23 million that we have secured will help places of worship across South Shropshire undertake vital repairs. It will enable them to tackle the challenges that historic places pose and protect them for future generations.

I also welcomed the news that the Government has listened to my campaigns and letters to enhance digital connectivity in South Shropshire. Ministers have signed a deal that will see lightning-fast broadband installed in hard-to-reach homes premises in the locality - benefitting homes and businesses surrounding the Shropshire Hills. The £108.9 million contract with the broadband supplier Openreach will deliver gigabit-capable broadband to up to 47,000 premises across Shropshire and other areas of the UK.

Rural councils like Shropshire face unique challenges in serving sparsely populated and aging communities. So, it is greatly disappointing that the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement allocates Shropshire Council only half the national average funding, despite its relative size. Having been allocated the third lowest increase out of more than 180 councils, Shropshire Council now has to make the most savings of any council in England per person.

This year, the litmus test for me will be whether the Government’s plans will benefit rural communities, where we have so much unlocked potential to drive economic growth and prosperity. The failure to address rural pressures on council funding, alongside the measures aimed at farmers and pensioners, continue to suggest that rural areas are not a priority for this Government. I will continue to represent South Shropshire to ensure that our voice is heard.