AS ever I’ve been making the case for Taunton Deane in Westminster and was delighted that the Government recently awarded £340,000 to support Taunton’s Garden town initiative.

Getting Communities Secretary of State Robert Jenrick down to Taunton to discuss the plans made a real difference.

This funding is for preparing environmental assessments and planning preparations in order to deliver 13,000 new homes.

While the Government’s commitment to new housing is welcome it is essential that communities have a say to ensure the right homes are built in the right place in an environmentally-friendly way and with the right infrastructure and this funding will help do just that.

READ MORE: Taunton receives £340,000 for garden town homes planning

Our farmers are following the progress Government is making with some key legislation that forms an essential part of leaving the EU, namely the Agriculture Bill, which will transform British farming and safeguard our countryside and farming communities for the future.

It will reward farmers for protecting our environment and help us meet key goals such as better air and water quality and higher animal welfare standards.

Improving the quality of our soil has also been included as one of these ‘public goods’ and I am delighted that my determined work with stakeholders including the Sustainable Soils Alliance has met with success.

The Environment Bill, which as Environment Minister I am proud to have been tasked with, will set us on a sustainable trajectory setting robust targets to enhance and improve our nature and biodiversity, water, air quality, waste and recycling.

Our marine environment is also under the spotlight and I was pleased recently to speak on behalf of Government calling on nations around the world to join the UK-led 30by30 initiative to protect at least 30% of the planet’s ocean by 2030.

It is vital action is taken urgently to address the pollution and effects of climate change in our oceans.

Locally it is concerning that Wellington continues to be without a Post Office.

This is completely unacceptable given how many local people rely on it for important services.

I have been in discussions with the Post Office and Ministers to try and find a solution and I will keep up the pressure.

REBECCA POW
MP for Taunton Deane