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36 Phonebox Magazine | May 2025It%u2019s been an exceptionally busy month here in the constituency with countless hours spent out and about on doorsteps, in village halls, and at community events, all while working fl at out for residents across our community.By the time you read this, I%u2019ll hopefully have crossed the fi nish line of the London Marathon. Thank you so much for every pound donated, every message of encouragement, and every understanding nod when I went out for yet another training run. Because of your support, we%u2019ve raised nearly %u00a33,000 for Willen Hospice, helping their extraordinary team continue guiding families through some of life%u2019s hardest moments.Back in Westminster, I%u2019m pushing for a secure, long-term funding settlement so Willen can plan decades ahead with confi dence. Until then, your generosity gives them the immediate boost they need, and I%u2019m genuinely grateful to have run those 26.2 miles on their behalf and on yours.Supporting Local BusinessesSmall businesses are the beating heart of our local economy, and I%u2019m determined to celebrate them. Whether I%u2019m giving #SmallBusinessSaturday shoutouts online or popping into family run caf%u00e9s on Olney High Street, I%u2019m constantly blown away by the creativity happening right here in Milton Keynes, Olney, Newport Pagnell, and our surrounding villages.To turn that energy into lasting growth, I recently brought the Small Business Minister to Milton Keynes which was a brilliant opportunity for him to speak with businesses and local entrepreneurs from across the constituency. They discussed how we can provide more support to small businesses, especially in terms of technological barriers that they face. Some of the key priorities discussed included: faster full fi bre broadband, practical digital skills support, and a strong commitment to end late payments from big fi rms that squeeze independent suppliers.Those clear, actionable requests are now on the Minister%u2019s desk as we hammer out the Government%u2019s Summer Small Business Strategy.Because when our independent businesses thrive, our communities fl ourish. I%u2019ll keep fi ghting to ensure the forthcoming strategy delivers the connectivity and fair payment culture our high street heroes need to keep our towns buzzing with life for years to come.Supporting Families Through Childcare and Early EducationAnother issue I hear about time and again when I%u2019m out knocking on doors is the cost and availability of childcare. For parents trying to juggle work and family life, the system has often felt broken.But there%u2019s good news on the horizon. Two of our local schools Chris Curtis MP for MiltonKeynes Northare part of the Government%u2019s fi rst wave of investment in schoolbased nurseries. These new nursery places are part of a broader plan to create 100,000 additional spots for children across the country, making childcare more accessible and aff ordable for working families.And from this September, a major expansion in support is coming: working parents will be able to access 30 hours of Governmentfunded childcare per week from the age of nine months until their child starts school. For many families, this could mean savings of up to %u00a37,500 a year, a huge help with the cost of living and a real boost for parents trying to return to work or stay in work.These are the kinds of policies that help real families right here in our community and I%u2019ll continue working closely with both central government and Milton Keynes City Council to deliver even more support where it%u2019s needed most.Universal Studios: A Landmark Opportunity for Our RegionI am pleased to share news of a truly transformational opportunity, one that has the potential to reshape the economic landscape of our region and generate thousands of new jobs.I recently met with representatives from Universal Studios, who are in the early stages of planning a major new theme park in neighbouring Bedfordshire. This project represents far more than entertainment; it is a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and enhanced regional prominence.The proposed development is expected to bring approximately %u00a350 billion in economic investment, alongside substantial improvements to local transport and infrastructure. It is projected to create around 28,000 new jobs across our region. This means greater opportunities for young people, increased support for local businesses, and heightened demand for skilled workers across a wide range of sectors.This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to accelerate our local economy, and I am committed to ensuring that our constituency plays a central role in this ambitious vision.As always, follow my Facebook page (@ChrisCurtisLabour) for regular updates on what%u2019s happening both in Westminster and across our constituency.