Will Mr Burnham’s business rates plan work? Thursday, 3 September, 2026 One of Andy Burnham’s first announcements was a 20 percent cut in business rates for pubs. The proposal is welcome. Although many pubs would still be paying more than they were in 2023 and 2024, because it follows substantial increases in recent years, any reduction will be welcomed by a sector under significant pressure. I used to work in the pub trade and know how significant the fixed cost... Articles for the Herald and Post
Government needs to re-think its approach to the countryside 14th May 2026 Urban and rural Britain sometimes seem to be treated as separate worlds. They aren’t. They depend on each other, and always have. The strength of our national... Articles for the Herald and Post
Rethinking social media in childhood 7th May 2026 The policy landscape on smartphones in schools and social media for children is finally beginning to shift here, as it has in other countries. In recent weeks... Articles for the Herald and Post
Reporting Back - May 2026 1st May 2026 Click on the link below for the latest edition of Damian’s monthly newsletter: Reporting Back - May 2026 Reporting Back newsletter
Hidden plan for higher density housing in government consultation 30th April 2026 It is well known that East Hampshire has been subject to a huge increase in the house building target handed to it by central government. Less widely known... Articles for the Herald and Post
Why is this top down reorganisation being forced on us? 23rd April 2026 Hampshire voters will shortly be going to the polls in important County Council elections. Who manages and delivers services for us locally really matters. But... Articles for the Herald and Post
Bridging the Gap: new support for children's mental health 16th April 2026 Children’s mental health is a particularly topical issue at the moment, not least because of the government’s consultation on whether under-16s should have... Articles for the Herald and Post
A new financial year, but more burdens than relief 9th April 2026 A new ‘financial year’ is upon us. Most of us think in calendar years (January to December) and educators work on academic years (starting in September). But... Articles for the Herald and Post
Youth unemployment is rising - is the 'youth guarantee' enough? 2nd April 2026 There is one issue I have returned to time and again over the past year – youth unemployment. And for good reason. Youth unemployment is now at a ten-year high... Articles for the Herald and Post
Shine Radio - April 2026 2nd April 2026 You can listen to Damian's latest recording for Petersfield's Shine Radio here: https://shineradio.uk/2026/04/whats-on-the-mind-of-local-mp-damian-hind… Local News
