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Adrian Neil Abbs – Independent

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Adrian Neil Abbs is running to be the MP because he believes Party Politics is broken, seeing only arguments, not debates or cooperation in the chamber and media.

He emphasizes that addressing crises requires cooperation and valuing good ideas regardless of their source. With 35% of voters disengaged, he notes widespread skepticism about politicians and party changes.

As a businessman, not a typical politician, he aims to bring practical experience to problem-solving. Though not a frequent protester, he focuses on active environmental efforts.

Living on the Newbury/Thatcham border and formerly in Pingewood, he has been in the area for over 30 years. His two children attended school in Reading. He runs an international SME from Newbury, employing local people and supporting young careers.

Previously an independent councillor at Greenham Parish Council and briefly with the Lib Dems, he is now an independent candidate. His councillor experience showed him that key issues start in Westminster, where he believes he can have the greatest impact.

He has planned a constituency office in Theale and committed part of his MP salary to fund extra staff to ensure constituents get the answers they need.

Pledges for Reading West & Mid Berkshire

Energy
Addressing energy cost and security challenges can resolve a host of related concerns. This includes alleviating the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring food cost and supply stability, improving health outcomes, and revitalizing the competitiveness of British industry.

Farming’s Importance
The rising cost and insecurity of food pose significant challenges. Increasing dependence on imported goods compromises national autonomy over this necessity. The aim is to bolster British agriculture and progress toward self-sufficiency in food production.

Housing
The current planning system is not fit for purpose. Land value reform and councils’ re-engagement with building what communities need are essential. Land value reform could make houses more affordable to build and buy. Additionally, quality council homes could ensure key workers have access to accommodation, helping retain their skills in the NHS.

Transportation
Within 15 years, transport needs will have completely changed. As all infrastructure projects take decades, planning and building for the future of transport must begin now. The UK has proven it struggles with large infrastructure projects. Ensuring existing infrastructure is fit for purpose and future-ready, including preparations for driverless cars, lorries, cabs, and new fuel types, is crucial.

NHS
Everyone will use the NHS in their lives, and as the population ages, its use will grow. Doctors and nurses are best placed to describe how it should work. Supporting the retention of NHS-trained staff and ensuring they help shape the future needs of the system is vital.

National Security
The rise of dictators in the news highlights the importance of national security. Collaborating with allied nations enhances collective security. A robust and contemporary military dedicated to safeguarding national interests and serving as an effective deterrent is essential.

Social Care Funding
Fundamental change in social care funding is needed. Local councils have the legal responsibility but not the powers to adequately fund social care. Therefore, this responsibility should shift to Westminster, which can manage the variables involved in delivering what’s needed.

Your Vote Can Count
The motive for standing is to provide a viable alternative to party politics. Once elected, business experience will benefit the constituency. With a background spanning from factory work to high-tech innovation for small, medium, and large corporations, and over 20 years as an entrepreneur working worldwide, there is a track record of success and getting things done.

Education
Continued investment in education is crucial for equipping the population with the skills needed for the decades ahead. It is the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. Universal access to top-tier education is essential.

Environmental Impact
Ignoring the environmental footprint will lead to worsening consequences. Clean energy helps lessen ecological impact, but introducing a simple label for all products provides people with choice.

Sewage
Expecting private companies, whose motive is shareholder profit, to deliver the infrastructure changes needed to stop raw sewage discharges is illogical. Asking them to monitor themselves is even worse. The privatization of an industry without competition was a mistake and needs to be fixed. As a first step, removing riparian exemptions so polluters pay for the damage they cause is essential.

The Constituency
The primary commitment is to represent the constituency’s interests in Parliament. This large new constituency comprises both urban and rural areas. The aim is to represent all residents and local businesses. Visibility during the tenure as MP is guaranteed, with regular MP surgeries throughout the area and a dedication to championing what’s best for the community.

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Windsor Great Park Illuminated Returns for Its Fourth Year with New Festive Wonders

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15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Tickets Available Now: www.windsorilluminated.com

The award-winning Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth magical year, bringing a spectacular festive light trail to the enchanting woodland of Windsor Great Park. Running from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, this much-loved event promises a refreshed experience with an all-new trail design and exciting new installations.

What’s New in 2024

This year’s trail introduces several never-before-seen attractions, including a floating installation debuting in the UK and impressive 8-metre stags exclusively crafted for the event. Visitors can also look forward to revamped favourites such as the Lasers, Field of Lights, and the Light Cathedral, now bigger and brighter than ever. A stunning new fountain show and additional photo opportunities ensure a memorable visit for all.

A Festive Wonderland

As you wander through the illuminated trail, you’ll encounter vibrant colours, festive surprises, and cozy rest stops. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Foodies can enjoy treats from vendors such as The Crepe Stop, Waffle Wands, Churros Hermanos, and more.

Event Details

  • Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
  • Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm (last entry 8.30pm; from 4.15pm after 29 November)
  • Ticket Prices: Starting at £18 for adults, £11 for children, and £51 for families (plus booking fees).
    Popular dates sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended.


How to Get There

  • By Car: Use postcode TW20 0UJ for navigation.
  • By Train: The nearest stations are Egham, Windsor Central, Windsor Riverside, Ascot, and Virginia Water. Taxis from these stations take approximately 15-20 minutes.


A World-Class Event

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is brought to life by IMG, the team behind iconic events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace Festival, in collaboration with DEAG Entertainment AG and Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH, creators of Europe’s leading light trails.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical winter adventure. Secure your tickets now at www.windsorilluminated.com.

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Rising Fees Add Pressure to Reading Businesses Amid Budget Shortfall

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Reading’s cafes, restaurants, and small businesses face further financial strain as the council raises fees for pavement café licences, extra bins, and various other permits. The Labour council at Reading Borough Council introduced these increases as part of a financial recovery plan to tackle significant budget pressures in the 2024/25 financial year.

The council’s finance officers have identified an estimated £5 million budget shortfall, prompting a strategy of increasing fees and charges for a range of council-provided services. This plan aims to bridge the gap and ensure funding for essential services across the borough.

For many small businesses and independent establishments, however, these hikes come at a difficult time, as they already face rising inflation, energy costs, and supply chain challenges. Local business owners worry that the increased fees could discourage outdoor seating, reducing the appeal and accessibility of pavement cafes that have revitalised Reading’s streets since the pandemic. Added costs for waste management and extra bins could also tighten margins for businesses already managing slim budgets.

Council representatives argue that the adjustments are necessary to address rising service demands and maintain clean, safe public spaces across Reading. However, business leaders are calling on the council to consider the impact on small enterprises, which are central to the town’s economy and community character.

As the new fees roll out, local business associations are urging the council to explore alternative strategies that would support smaller operators while still meeting budget goals.

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Over 11,000 Reading residents aged 80+ may lose Winter Fuel Payments

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Over 11 thousand of those aged over 80 in Reading are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics have revealed.

Reading Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Reading, over 11 thousand pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits. 

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Reading received £3.25 million in support with £7.6 million given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, just over 40 thousand pensioners in Reading do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Reading Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter. 

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, James Moore said:

Thousands of pensioners here in Reading are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying. 

We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Reading this winter.

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