2025: Week 13 - Around the constituency

This week has been all about constituency matters! 

I met with 28 GP practice managers to discuss the issues they are facing, which sadly are many. Not only is there the increase in employer NI contributions meaning that each practice will have to find thousands of pounds extra, the funding that GPs receive from the Government just isn’t sufficient to provide the services that communities so desperately need.  The funding model for GP surgeries was implemented in 2004 and has failed to adapt to modern demands.  Some surgeries across the constituency are under funded by up to half their patient lists, there’s no wonder that patients are struggling to access appointments.  I will continue to advocate for health service across the constituency, and do all I can to improve the situation for both patients, GPs and their staff.

Now that the candidates for the Devon County Council elections have been nominated, I will be out campaigning with them across the constituency.  I’m also happy to chat with residents if they catch me out and about! Keep your eyes peeled for Lib Dem leaflets coming through your letter box.

I was delighted to be asked to be one of the judges at Maltingsfest.  The beer festival is an annual event which takes place at Osbourne Park in Newton Abbot over 3 days and is a fantastic community event which is always well attended.  It showcases small, independent breweries with a wide variety of beer, wines and ciders on offer.  As small businesses these breweries are facing increased financial pressures, so events like these really help to increase their exposure.  My thanks to SIBA (the Society for Independent Brewers and Associates) South West branch for organising the festival, the sponsors Warminster Maltings and Newton Abbot Town Council, and the huge amount of volunteers, without whom the festival would not take place.

I was privileged to be shown round South Devon College last week by the Principal and CEO, Lawrence Frewin. The college is an amazing facility with locations all across South Devon.  They offer a huge variety of both Further and Higher Education courses, alongside Adult Learning.  The college is extremely student focussed, providing assistance and help to students not only academically, but also outside of the scope of education as well. Alongside their traditionally taught courses, they also offer a home education stream, which is available to home educated students, ensuring that no one is excluded from progressing in their studies. 

I’m happy to support the college now and in the future and am proud that we have such a wonderful educational facility in the constituency which is available to all young people.

I am now holding regular surgeries in my constituency office in Newton Abbot, so please contact me if you have something you would like to talk to me about.  The best way is to email me at martin.wrigley.mp@parliament.uk.