"As we find ourselves well into the New Year, I look forward to all that 2018 has to offer. I am very optimistic about the coming year as I carry on working hard and doing the job that I love – being your Member of Parliament.
"2017 was a busy year but with so much achieved, locally and nationally. We have seen a deal struck by the District Council and Government to complete the rollout of high-speed broadband and not one, but two ground-breaking new plans for affordable housing in our district. £215m was secured for Oxfordshire in the Budget, whilst I and local Councils are pursuing a number of different options for improvements to local transport infrastructure, such as the County Council’s recent Housing Infrastructure Fund bid. Furthermore, we have secured more support for Oxfordshire’s healthcare (such as £3,787,800 more to help with winter pressures) and in my particular interest area of mental health.
"Of course, as ever, there’s more to do. I continue to participate fully in the discussions over primary care for Witney and the surrounding area. Work continues on our local transport infrastructure; I welcome the Government’s decision to extent Great Western Railway’s franchise and I look forward to future plans for the North Cotswold Line. I want to see improvements in broadband matched by improvements in mobile signals, to make it easier for local businesses to grow and thrive. I want to support our NHS and education systems as they continue their outstanding work.
"I look forward to meeting with Combe Parish Councillors in February as this will be an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most to local residents.
"If there is anything you wish to raise with me, please do email me at robert@robertcourts.co.uk – I would greatly appreciate hearing your views."