As Christmas approaches, I have been reflecting on the past year as your local MP.

This year, Barnsley’s community spirit has truly been on full display.

As many across the country face financial struggle with rising energy bills and stagnating wages, the Barnsley community has pulled together to provide support to those in need.

Barnsley Foodbank Partnership has been an excellent example of this, working both independently and with large supermarkets across the area to make sure that everyone has access to the essentials they need.

Between September 2021- September 2022, the Foodbank fed 9,285 individuals, and Tesco’s partnership with the local foodbank will mean that many more can be fed over the Christmas period. It was great to go along earlier this month to see their fantastic work in progress.

Thank you to all those volunteers who work all year round at our foodbanks, you make such a difference to so many across Barnsley.

I’d also like to thank South Yorkshire’s police force, fire services and our health services, who work tirelessly to keep us all safe. Though we are no longer in the midst of the pandemic, our public services are still buckling, as they call out for funding and policy changes.

Our schools across the area have had a difficult year but have continued to provide first class support and education to our young people, despite the financial challenges that most are facing. I have met with many schools across Barnsley East throughout the year and have advocated for further support from the Government in these difficult times.

The last few weeks of the year are always a favourite time for me as I visit local primary schools across Barnsley East with certificates and prizes for my Christmas card competition. I’d like to say a huge well done to Alex from St Helen’s Catholic Primary School for his winning design this year, showing Santa and his reindeers out delivering presents on Christmas Eve.

Thank you to everyone who has been in contact with me this year. It has been another great year in Barnsley East, and I will continue to support our community in 2023.

Wishing you all a happy festive period, and a very Merry Christmas.