James Naish MP writes his monthly update for Rushcliffe constituents.
James writes:
‘As I write, in the past few hours, the Chancellor has delivered her Spring Statement. Clearly, with everything that’s happening in the Middle East right now, these are precarious times, but there has been some encouraging economic data over recent weeks.
For example:
• We’ve seen the biggest monthly growth in retail sales (January 2026) since May 2024.
• Private sector activity is at a 22-month high.
• The budget surplus in January was £30.4 billion, the highest surplus in any month since records began in 1993.
• There has been a drop in inflation to 3%.
• Ofgem has confirmed that the energy price cap in the next quarter will fall by £117 (7%) on average.
‘Hidden among the headlines of the statement today, there were also some key messages to note:
• Borrowing has been reduced by £18 billion compared to the autumn, and is set to be the lowest in six years by the end of the year.
• The Chancellor’s ‘fiscal headroom’ is due to increase to almost £24 billion.
• We are expected to spend nearly £4 billion less on debt interest next year than was previously forecast.
• The government is sustaining the highest levels of public investment in national infrastructure in four decades.
• The Chancellor recommitted to breaking down trade barriers with our closest partners, including the European Union.
‘While I remain deeply concerned about youth unemployment and would like to see more support for retail and hospitality businesses, and I can’t be certain that what is happening in the Middle East won’t have an immediate impact in the UK, I am hopeful that things are moving in the right direction.
‘There’s also been some positive news about the future of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station site after the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that an East Midlands proposal, including Ratcliffe-on-Soar, is being taken forward as a high-potential AI Growth Zone opportunity.
‘The bid, led by Mayor Claire Ward and the East Midlands Combined County Authority, also includes the former Cottam and High Marnham power station sites. It will now move into the next stage of discussions with the government. This doesn’t guarantee final AI Growth Zone status, but it’s a significant step forward.
‘Ratcliffe-on-Soar has played a huge role in our area’s industrial story. After limited progress in recent years, we need to secure a new chapter that brings skilled jobs, investment and long-term opportunity to Rushcliffe.
‘There are still lots of challenges to resolve, particularly around Junction 24 of the M1, and I’m pleased to have started March by sponsoring a reception in Parliament specifically looking at this issue. Mayor Claire Ward spoke at the event, which was organised by the East Midlands Freeport and attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, Simon Lightwood, as well as lots of private and public sector bodies, including Rushcliffe Borough Council.
‘I’ve also written to the Mayor about a potential tram extension into Rushcliffe to support the concept of the Trent Sports Quarter. This could make commuting to work, attending matches, and enjoying cultural events and activities in Rushcliffe much easier.
‘I get involved with all sorts of campaigns – some of which are big, like the infrastructure ones I’ve just described; some of which are much smaller. A good example of the latter is the work I’ve been doing with residents at Tollerton Park, who are concerned about possible ground contamination linked to the historic use of Tollerton Airfield.
‘The land was assessed in 2008 by Rushcliffe Borough Council, but since then Tollerton Park has been extended and the ground has been disturbed, which has understandably raised concerns locally.
‘My office has been working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to ensure residents’ concerns were properly considered and, in late January, we had a breakthrough, with the UKHSA agreeing that a further radiation survey is justified. The Council has now asked the site’s owners to carry this out.
‘We’re continuing to work closely with residents and UKHSA on what the survey should involve and how it should be conducted. Residents deserve clear answers and peace of mind, and I’ll keep pushing until they get both.
‘I know how frustrating the state of our roads is right now, especially for those of you who’ve had to deal with vehicle damage because of potholes. Whether I’ve been knocking on doors or hosting constituent surgeries, this is the issue that most people want to talk about.
‘As I’ve said before, Nottinghamshire’s funding is being allocated through the East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward, who secured a 40% uplift last year and will deliver a further 60% uplift locally in 2026/27. By the end of this Parliament, spending on road maintenance will have doubled compared to 2024.
‘Almost 600 residents have each reported between 1 and 5 potholes to me over the past four weeks, and I’ll be asking my team to visit as many of the reported locations as possible before the new financial year begins in April. With this extra funding available, I want to make sure Rushcliffe gets its fair share and that the worst problem areas are firmly on the County Council’s radar.
© westbridgfordwire.com
‘Finally, it’s been another busy month in Parliament, where I’ve spoken about a whole range of things, including student loans, Network Rail, pharmacy services, tourism in the East Midlands and postal services. There are two announcements that have particularly stood out to me: a £345 million investment in British agriculture, which was announced alongside the relaunched Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which will favour smaller farms; and the release of the Schools White Paper, which described how the Special Educational Needs system will be changed to make sure that children with SEND are seen, heard and supported as a right, not as the result of a battle.
‘I also recently met the new Chief Executive of Severn Trent and raised residents’ frustrations with him about sewage spills. The company has committed a multi-million-pound investment in East Leake, Wysall and Willoughby-on-the-Wolds during the 2025–2030 period, which is welcomed, but this investment must be delivered on time and on budget. The abolition of Ofwat should lead to stronger oversight, but ultimately, water companies must be held accountable. I’ll continue pressing for action locally while arguing for longer-term reform of the sector.
‘As always, my team and I are here to help with any local or national concerns. Please get in touch at james.naish.mp@parliament.uk or call 0115 646 6404.’
• James Naish MP updates the community February 2026
• Rushcliffe MP James Naish updates the community for January 2026
• Update for the community from Rushcliffe MP James Naish – December 2025
