HAPPY New year to all SNJ readers. I hope everyone had a good time with family and friends and were able to relax a little.

Now we are in the long month of January - a traditionally quiet time for businesses, especially retail, pubs and restaurants. With a big spend on Christmas, many tighten their belts in the first month of the year and with cost-of-living pressures this will certainly be more pronounced this year. But if you can, please consider supporting our local businesses across Stroud, the Valleys and Vale. Our High Streets and pubs will need a boost and it could make the difference to many before the days lighten and we move towards Spring.

The Government supported Stroud businesses with loans, grants and furlough during the pandemic, paid through our councils. Energy price support is also ongoing but I expect the next few months to still be tough. Pubs and hospitality have had a challenging time with staff shortages and rising costs.

I’ve argued for small business support with energy and for pubs since being elected. And I will keep that up through the new year. I will also be fighting for levelling up funding for the district. I am of the view that business rates need overhauling to take account of the new post-pandemic normal and I will take that up with ministers again this year too.

On a brighter note, It appears inflationary pressures are starting to ease in many areas. There is still some way to go before we see inflation back under control but there are signs this will happen in 2023.

Finally, a huge shout out to the pantomime Cinderella at the Sub Rooms. I took the whole family, it was a lovely atmosphere and we loved it. I properly laughed out loud at times. A big thumbs up the Ballyhoo dancers too. This year’s panto was even better than last year – and that was good!