I’ve been made aware of recent shoplifting incidents, robberies, attacks on wildlife in Priory Gardens and anti-social behaviour in and around Orpington. This is unacceptable and I’m working with the police to make sure officers are out and about, and visible in the right places. The police are telling me that people need to report crimes — and I want to make sure that when you do, they respond effectively. Please spare 5 minutes to tell me your experiences and priorities for the police by filling out my crime survey at garethbacon.com/crimesurvey I will discuss your responses anonymously with the police so they can focus their resources in the right place.

From this month, the energy price cap falls by 12%. Taken with the sharp fall in inflation, and the tax cuts announced by the Chancellor, people in Orpington will begin to see a real difference in their pockets. We've had a tough few years because of major unexpected events (the pandemic and the war in Ukraine) causing shocks to global economies and driving up prices. And this government spent many billions of pounds supporting people and businesses during this time. Despite the shocks, we have now turned a corner, and this is just the beginning. I will keep pushing for sensible and targeted tax cuts to help working people in Orpington.

I’ve received confirmation that Bromley is receiving an extra £1.1 million from the government to prevent homelessness. This is a top up, and the extra money can be used by the council to help prevent evictions before they occur or to fund temporary accommodation.

This month's Budget was a sensible package of tax cuts, cost of living help, and investment in our public services. A further 2% cut in Employee National Insurance will benefit many people in Orpington, as will the changes to child benefit and increases in the VAT threshold. I outline the key measures in the video.

I have had quite a few reports in the last year of street racing taking place on the A21 by Hewitts Roundabout. It’s obviously dangerous, it puts lives at risk, it keeps residents up at night, and it needs to stop. The police, MPs, councillors, and residents have got together to crack down on this — and I’m pleased to say the problem has greatly improved. I met at the scene with Sergeant Wells and PC Viner to discuss the work being done. If you live near the Hewitts roundabout, and you’re still witnessing illegal racing, please get in touch with me.

Some of you have written to me asking about my position on the redevelopment of the Walnuts Shopping Centre. You may remember that I objected to the previous planning application (I set out the main reasons in the video). As things currently stand, there is no new planning application from the developers. Once there is, the council will hold a consultation, and I will then be asking you for your views once again.

We have just exceeded 28,000 cases in my office since being elected in 2019. My team and I have worked on a wide range of issues for people in Orpington from helping constituents access pensions, benefit payments, GP and hospital appointments on time, to opening vaccine centres and helping vulnerable households access government support during the pandemic.

The Post Office in St Pauls Cray is closing next month, which is unfortunate for many local people who rely on it for their day-to-day banking and administrative tasks. I'm looking for local businesses on, or nearby, the Main Road who might be able to take on a Post Office counter so we can keep these vital services in the community.

Making the A21 Sevenoaks Road safer — if you are familiar with this part of the A21, you will have noticed that you can no longer turn right into Sevenoaks Road. This was an emergency measure brought in by TfL in the aftermath of two fatal collisions. However, the issue with it is that local residents have found it inconvenient, and it creates pressure points elsewhere as vehicles have to travel further along and double back. I got together with neighbouring MP Laura Trott and local councillors — and we raised these concerns with TfL and asked them to look at restoring the right turn, but in a safe manner. I’m pleased to say that TfL have listened, and they have opened a public consultation. I explain more about the proposed safety measures in the video. If you use this junction or live locally, please have your say.