Dear Resident,

In May 2015 a Conservative Administration was elected to run West Berkshire Council on your behalf.

The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Amber Rudd, today outlined changes to benefit assessments for pensioners with disabilities. From this Spring, around 270,000 disabled pensioners will not have their Personal Independence Payment (PIP) awards regularly reviewed.

Richard Benyon, MP for Newbury, recently met with the Royal British Legion’s local Area Manager Pat Chadwick and Membership Council member Helen Picken to discuss current issues facing the Armed Forces community.

Newbury’s MP Richard Benyon met around 30 young people who were taking part in a national day of action on Climate Change. Following a good natured discussion Richard said:

Aware of the shocking statistics on the impact of loneliness and social isolation on health and well-being, Richard joined forces with the Volunteer Centre (VCWB) and Connecting Communities in Berkshire (CCB) to host a conference on how to tackle this issue at Fair Close on Friday 8th February.

Richard Benyon presented the petition - Illegal encampments in Berkshire to Parliament. He said:

Richard Benyon met with Andy Pinkard, Chair of West Berkshire CAMRA, in Parliament this week, following the welcome news in the autumn Budget that duty on beer, cider and spirits has been frozen for another year.

Richard Benyon, Member of Parliament for Newbury, is joining over 500 other MPs to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy, a network of forest conservation initiatives to mark Her Majesty's lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.

Newbury MP, Richard Benyon, has sent his deepest condolences to the staff and young people in their care at Priors Court following the fatal accident on the M4 yesterday.

Richard said:

Richard Benyon MP has welcomed £264,820 for West Berkshire to boost support for rough sleepers, helping them into safe accommodation.