OVER the summer, I have been holding ‘Tea with Your MP’ events across the constituency. These sessions are a brilliant way to hear directly from residents about the issues affecting them, particularly those who might not otherwise get in touch online or through my MP inbox. Often there is a lot of work to do following the event, whether that's chasing answers or explaining how Government policies and upcoming changes may affect people’s lives.

In Budock Water, residents raised concerns about knowing their Community Police Officers. Following enquiries to Devon and Cornwall Police, I was able to confirm who the local PCSOs are. People can find details of their own neighbourhood policing team online via the https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/area/your-area/.

There was also a question about the future of the mobile library service in Budock. Cornwall Council has since told me it plans to review the current service and consult residents and service users over the coming months. Please look out for this consultation and take part so they can understand local need.

Lots of people at the Mylor ‘Tea with MP’ were focused on water quality in Mylor Creek and the surrounding area. There was concern about the number of sewage spills from South West Water (SWW), with many people feeling fed up and let down. After the meeting, I contacted SWW directly. They have reported a faulty monitor falsely recording spills. I have arranged a meeting with the new CEO with a growing list of issues people have reported to me to go through. I have been working on water for years and now in my role on DEFRA am in a position to push for real accountability and change.

Over in Gerrans and Portscatho, discussions included coastguard volunteers, SEND provision and other issues affecting coastal communities, such as recent octopus blooms. People welcomed confirmation that coastguard volunteers will continue to be paid. Coastal MPs and ministers worked hard to get this outcome. We were also able to help resolve an EHCP issue raised at the event.

Carnon Downs was the biggest event yet, with more than 60 people attending. Residents raised lots of issues, including farming and the loss of EU funding and the ongoing shortage of NHS dentistry. Cornwall is a dental desert and has seen some of the biggest reductions in the number of practices offering NHS care. I’ve been able to press our case to the dentistry minister and urgent and follow-up care should now be available if people phone Cornwall’s dental helpline on 0333 4050290.

We also discussed the Langarth housing development near Treliske, including the need to prioritise homes for key workers and ensure the right infrastructure is delivered alongside new homes.

These were only a handful of the issues at this summer's events. If you’ve not been to one of these events and would like to join, make sure you don’t miss me when I’m next in your area.