I know many local families are worried following this week’s Budget. Despite saying otherwise at the election, the Government have frozen tax thresholds for another three years, which will see more working people locally quietly pushed into paying higher levels of tax even if their income hasn’t risen in real terms. The introduction of the so-called “mansion tax” will have real consequences in our area, where long-standing family homes are often high in value but owned by residents who are not wealthy in disposable income. And, the impact of higher taxes on rental and savings income could see landlords pass on costs to tenants and stop local people trying to put a little aside for their future. As your MP I will continue to challenge these measures at every opportunity and ensure your voices are heard in Westminster.
Many parents and teachers have also been in touch with me about reports that either SEND, or school budgets will face real-terms cuts as a result of the OBR finding a £6bn blackhole in the Department for Education's spending plans. The Government has continually delayed the Schools White paper and SEND reforms, which has left parents full of uncertainty and schools are already struggling to budget correctly. I am pushing for urgent clarity.
We are also facing a considerable fight locally. The new mandatory target in our district for over 17,000 homes over the next 15 years set by central Government, alongside the new concept of “Grey Belt”, has reduced substantially the Green Belt protections we have long relied upon.
It is important to be clear that the majority of sites currently included in the proposal Local Plan are a direct result of the Government’s new “Grey Belt” definition, which meant Sevenoaks District Council had no choice but to consider these sites for potential development if they are put forward by a developer.
That said, this is still a genuine consultation — and it remains vital that residents take part, as we can collectively provide strong, evidence-based reasons why sites should not be included in the final Local Plan. Sevenoaks District Council can only remove sites if it can provide robust evidence that will stand up to examination by the Planning Inspectorate. That is why your voice matters, and I urge as many of you as possible to take part before the consultation closes on 11 December.
I am clear that more local housing is needed — but it must be in the right locations, supported by the right infrastructure, and above all, with local consent. I will be making detailed representations on every site that residents have raised with me.
For those wishing to attend, three in-person presentation sessions are still available to attend (at the time of writing) on Monday 8 December at the Council offices – although please be mindful that the consultation ends on 11 December. More details can be found at: www.sevenoaks.gov.uk/info/20069128/emerging_local_plan
I recognise many have found the process confusing or hard to navigate, but to help I have shared practical guidance and flow-charts on my website — https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/local-plan. You do not need to comment on every site, just those that concern you.
Paper copies of the Local Plan documents are also available in all local libraries, where staff can print off response forms. Town and parish councils also have copies available, however if you experience any difficulty, please contact me directly at [email protected].
I continue to visit as many of the affected sites as possible (for more details see below). And, my sincere thanks go to all those who have taken the time to meet with me, share their concerns, and provide local insight. Together, we can make the case clearly — that development in the Sevenoaks district must be sustainable, supported, and sensitive to the countryside we all cherish.
If there is anything I can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch at: [email protected].
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley
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