Young carers do incredible and often unsung work looking after disabled and seriously ill family members.
But as a result, they often don't have the same opportunities as their peers to succeed at school, and beyond.
That's why I think they should receive the pupil-premium.
Alison with a man and a woman outside.
On #IWD, it's a real treat to have been out supporting two of our brilliant women candidates, Caro and Lauren who are beginning their campaigns to serve on West Sussex County Council. My gratitude as ever, goes out to all the men - like David - who support and advocate for women's representation. 🙏
📰 In my latest Middy column, I wrote about the government's plans to reform the SEND system and the importance of getting this right for families.
You can read it here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...
With A&E in crisis, services are under huge strain.
Lib Dems have a plan to fix emergency care.
Lib Dem MPs visited London Ambulance Service HQ to thank the staff keeping Londoners safe.
Happy World Book Day!
Books open up the world to all of us. They are such a vital part of how we learn, think and create - and reading them keeps our brains healthy.
Keep reading!
📰 In Monday's weekly newsletter, I wrote about:
• The government’s plans for schools and the SEND system
• The Lib Dems' opposition day debates on Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and social media regulation
• What’s happening in Iran and the Middle East
www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
On Friday, a burst sewer led to sewage spilling into woodland and Pook Bourne near Burgess Hill. The EA has told me of a “significant impact”. It was contained by Southern Water but they are now tankering sewage until it is repaired. I visited today, am asking questions and will keep you updated.
The govt expect cash-strapped councils to save money by merging with other councils.
But these mergers are going to cost huge amounts of time and money.
Councils are going to be out of pocket as a result, and as for whether or not the long-term savings will prove real - the only time will tell.
five people on a residential road
Glad to miss the rain and get out to talk to residents in Haywards Heath today.
Alison with two other people sitting at a table with a palm tree behind.
Portage - Early Years SEND Support
It was a real pleasure to meet Pam and Glenys from the National Portage Association (NPA) during the week. It was a timely reminder of the value of early intervention in supporting children with SEND.
Alison with four others outside holding leaflets and wearing rosettes
Alison talking to two people in front of a trishaw and a repair cafe banner
Alison and a lady talking to each other
It was good to join our Hassocks councillors at the village market this morning, and chat to people enjoying a welcome spot of dry weather.
Six people holding leaflets outside with flats and buildings behind.
It's Friday!
We Lib Dems are looking forward to getting out over the weekend to speak to people right across Mid Sussex. If you see us, do come and say hello.
If you want to get involved in our county council campaign, why not volunteer? www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/volunteer
Alison with Erika, Richard and David outside with a tree without leaves behind.
Great to be out in Burgess Hill earlier today with two of our current county councillors, Erika and Richard. Interesting conversations about bereavement support, the navigating the NHS if you aren't online, and the ECHR. Thank you to everyone to took the time to chat to us.
📰 In my latest Middy column, I discuss the reinstatement of the County Council elections and the positive message that Liberal Democrats are offering the people of Sussex.
Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/politic...
📰 In this week’s Monday Mail, I wrote about Labour's latest u turn - reinstating local elections - and what's at stake on 7th May.
You can read it here: www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
Six people outside under grey skies ready to canvas
Alison kneeling next to a pothole in the middle of the road.
Great afternoon yesterday in Lindfield talking to people about the issues that matter to them. I also reported this pothole on Luxford Road.
Anyone can report potholes to West Sussex County Council here: www.westsussex.gov.uk/roads-and-tr...
Alison with Amanda in a Continuing Health Care room at the hospice
A photo of the cover of the St Peter & St James Impact Report 2024-2025
I joined Amanda Fadero, CEO at St Peter and St James along with patrons and supporters of the hospice for a 'Boardroom Talk' on Monday. I also saw one of the new Continuing Health Care (CHC) rooms that were opened last year after the hospice secured £250,000 in additional NHS funding.
At that meeting, Lord Hendy asked me to look for alternatives to a lift and footbridge option that was originally proposed under the last Conservative government.
I will be sharing the Worlds End Association's idea with the DfT and pushing them to look at the feasibility of this proposal.
Last week I raised my concerns with Rail Minister Lord Hendy that Wivelsfield has been dropped from the list of stations in line to get step free access under the 'Access for All' scheme.
Alison with councillors Diane Black and Peter Williams outside looking at a map
Alison, Peter and Diane on a footpath surrounded by trees looking across at a railway line that is out of shot.
Alison, Peter and Diane in front of the steps that lead up to the western platform at Wivelsfield station
Yesterday I met BHTC's Cllrs Williams and Black at Wivelsfield Station. We walked the footpath that runs parallel to the railway line, to help us visualise an idea from the Worlds End Association about where a new path could be added that would give the western platform step free access.
📰 In my latest Middy column, I talk about potholes in Mid Sussex and the importance of doing something to make sure our roads are fit for purpose.
Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...
I've been out campaigning in Sussex where the local elections are back on!
Come join us to help defeat the Conservatives, stop Reform and wipe the smile of Nigel Farage's face in May.
four people outside under grey skies with a St George flag in the background.
And we're off!
Starting our 2026 local election campaign in Burgess Hill to re-elect Jane Davey.
Politics moves fast!
This morning's Monday Mail covered the government's relationship with Palantir, maternity services in Sussex...
🗳️ ...and how last week I was still fighting for our local elections to go ahead.
www.midsussexlibdems.org.uk/news/article...
Alison Bennett meeting Lord Hendy at the Department for Transport
Wivelsfield Station was promised step-free access by the last Conservative government as the 2024 election was called.
Labour have now been confirmed the money was never there.
Last week I met the Rail Minister and am working locally to get this project back on track.
"The Govt. cancelling elections on a whim further erodes the loss of trust in politics."
@AlisonEBennett.bsky.social
A smiling man in an orange beanie and green T-shirt stands inside a wooden chicken coop, petting a small yellow chick that Alison is holding. They are both smiling at the camera. Wooden beams and chick enclosures are visible in the background.
A man in an orange beanie gestures up toward the branches of a large leafless tree while walking beside Alison. The ground is covered with wood chips, and animal enclosures line the walkway.
Close-up of Alison, wearing a black jacket, holding a fluffy yellow chick in both hands inside a chicken coop. Wooden pens and a red heat lamp glow softly in the background.
The Holly Project was set up last year as a SEND forest school for children who are struggling to attend school for a range of reasons.
The Holly Project allows young people to thrive in a different type of classroom. The little chicks are definitely a fan favourite too! 🐤
📰 In my latest Middy column, I discussed the Epstein Files and the importance of listening to victims.
Have a read here: www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/opinion...
The government's relationship with Palantir stinks.
Palantir has links to Mandelson and Epstein, and it's extending its web of influence across our public sector services.
That's why I think the govt must be more open about the deals between Palantir and the MoD.
Great to see @alisonebennett.bsky.social wearing her #HeartMonth BHF badge today in the House of Commons Chamber, showing her support for heart health!
📣A reminder for MPs, please wear your badges throughout February to also show your support ❤️
