That this House celebrates Health and Remedy in Chard on being awarded Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year; commends the hard work and dedication the owners have put into building their business and providing an exceptionally high standard of service to their customers; recognises the vital role independent businesses play across Yeovil and South Somerset, forming the bedrock of the local economy; notes the importance of health shops in encouraging people to make informed choices to improve their health and wellbeing; acknowledges that the current tax system is having a detrimental impact on businesses across Somerset; further acknowledges that Health and Remedy’s success is all the more remarkable within this context; calls on this Government to do more to support businesses in rural and semi-rural communities like Yeovil, which require a different approach to big cities like London and Manchester; and urges this Government to start by overhauling the unfair business rates system, providing more support with energy costs, and reducing Value Added Tax on high street businesses.

That this House celebrates Health and Remedy in Chard on being awarded Natural Lifestyle Retailer of the Year; commends the hard work and dedication the owners have put into building their business and providing an exceptionally high standard of service to their customers; recognises the vital role independent businesses play...

That this House commends Grovelands Care Home in Yeovil for earning a place on Lottie's List, a not-for-profit initiative celebrating the top 100 care homes across the UK; celebrates that this follows Grovelands being awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission; further commends the years of persistent hard work and dedication shown by Grovelands staff, alongside their unwavering commitment to providing an excellent standard of care to residents; expresses admiration at the tangible impact this has on residents' quality of life and that of their loved ones; recognises, however, that the social care system requires fundamental reform and that Grovelands and other care homes need greater support as the UK population continues to age; further notes the particular challenges for rural areas such as Somerset which have an older than average population facing greater social isolation, limited transport links, and poor access to services; and urges the new Government to honour its commitment to prioritise social care reform so that everyone in the UK can grow old with dignity no matter their postcode or socio-economic status.

That this House commends Grovelands Care Home in Yeovil for earning a place on Lottie's List, a not-for-profit initiative celebrating the top 100 care homes across the UK; celebrates that this follows Grovelands being awarded an Outstanding rating by the Care Quality Commission; further commends the years of persistent hard...

That this House commends Yeovil Town Council for organising a number of free play days for families and young children this August; notes that the long summer holidays can be an especially difficult time for parents, bringing significant financial pressures; recognises that these pressures are often felt most acutely by single-parent and low-income households; therefore celebrates the positive impact that these play days, including a circus and a petting farm, will have on our local community by providing fun, free days out while easing financial pressure on parents; further notes that, while families in Yeovil can benefit from this incredibly positive initiative, many will continue to struggle throughout the summer holidays; expresses concern about the lack of consideration successive governments have given to the child-care needs of working parents during the school holidays; and urges the Government to do more to support parents and similar play day initiatives across the UK.

That this House commends Yeovil Town Council for organising a number of free play days for families and young children this August; notes that the long summer holidays can be an especially difficult time for parents, bringing significant financial pressures; recognises that these pressures are often felt most acutely by...

That this House celebrates Casey Young on being awarded Coach of the Year in the disability pathway at the FA Grassroots Football Awards; commends Casey on the hard work and determination he has demonstrated in his work with Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC, never missing a coaching session despite undergoing major surgeries and travelling over an hour from Crewkerne each time; recognises the hugely positive impact his coaching has had on his community and the players he works with; further recognises the important role sport plays in fostering a sense of belonging; notes that this can be especially important for disabled people, who often face unique challenges when trying to participate in sport; calls on this Government to do more to support community and volunteer-led institutions, particularly those that are inclusive of people with disabilities, and properly recognise their importance to society; and urges the Government to consider how it can better support hard-working volunteers like Casey, whose contributions are invaluable to the people around them.

That this House celebrates Casey Young on being awarded Coach of the Year in the disability pathway at the FA Grassroots Football Awards; commends Casey on the hard work and determination he has demonstrated in his work with Bristol City Cerebral Palsy FC, never missing a coaching session despite undergoing...

That this House commends the important contribution of Rotary Clubs, such as the Rotary Club of Crewkerne, to the inspiration and development of young engineers and scientists through the Rotary Technology Tournaments; recognises that these tournaments support not only academic learning, but also teach skills such as teamwork, communication and timekeeping; further recognises the wider contribution of Rotary Clubs to education both domestically and internationally through the construction of facilities and supply of equipment; and applauds the charitable work of Rotary Clubs across Great Britain.

That this House commends the important contribution of Rotary Clubs, such as the Rotary Club of Crewkerne, to the inspiration and development of young engineers and scientists through the Rotary Technology Tournaments; recognises that these tournaments support not only academic learning, but also teach skills such as teamwork, communication and...

That this House congratulates Yeovil Bowls and Squash Club on marking 100 years at its current site in Higher Kingston, Yeovil; recognises the work done by volunteers to make the club accessible to all members of the community, including juniors and people with visual impairment; further recognises the achievement of club member Ron Homer BEM for competing at the Para Commonwealth Games; applauds sports clubs like this for bringing communities together through recreational sport and activity; and calls on the Government to strengthen support for local community sports clubs across Somerset.

That this House congratulates Yeovil Bowls and Squash Club on marking 100 years at its current site in Higher Kingston, Yeovil; recognises the work done by volunteers to make the club accessible to all members of the community, including juniors and people with visual impairment; further recognises the achievement of...

That this house celebrates the life changing work of the Somerset Armed Forces Hub has done for veterans in Somerset; notes that the Somerset Armed Forces Hub is based in ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) at Egwood in Yeovil constituency, and is open to all members of the Armed Forces community including those serving, reservists, their families and veterans; further notes that NHS Somerset have commissioned specific Armed Forces Link Workers (AFLWs), who are based at ARK but cover the entire county; applauds the outstanding work the organisation does to help veterans and their families facing physical health issues, mental health challenges, and financial difficulties; recognises the important role the Somerset Armed Forces Hub plays in bridging the gap between various veteran support services and the local community; welcomes that a business case for an enhanced programme of support for Somerset’s armed forces community was recently approved by NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB); expresses concern, however, that posts within the Armed Forces Outreach Service (AFOS) could be cut as part of the formal organisational restructuring of the new local ICB cluster; and calls on the Government to provide local authorities and NHS ICBs dedicated funding to ensure the effective staffing of veteran services such as the Somerset Armed Forces Hub.

That this house celebrates the life changing work of the Somerset Armed Forces Hub has done for veterans in Somerset; notes that the Somerset Armed Forces Hub is based in ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) at Egwood in Yeovil constituency, and is open to all members of the Armed Forces...

That this House notes with concern recent polling indicating that almost half of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, do not expect the State Pension will exist by the time they reach retirement age; recognises the vital role of the State Pension in providing a foundation of financial security in later life, and the importance of a secure retirement as a reward for decades of work and contribution; is concerned that declining confidence among young workers, including in Yeovil constituency, in the future of the State Pension risks undermining the post-war social contract between generations and eroding confidence in the long-term value of work; further notes the scale of the challenge facing Generation Z in the labour market, including reports that, without intervention, one in six young people could be outside education, employment or training within five years; and calls on the Government to protect long-term confidence in the State Pension, including by maintaining the Triple Lock, and to provide greater support and opportunities, including through apprenticeship reform and action to address youth unemployment, so that young people can build secure and sustainable working lives.

That this House notes with concern recent polling indicating that almost half of Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, do not expect the State Pension will exist by the time they reach retirement age; recognises the vital role of the State Pension in providing a foundation of financial...

That this House congratulates Cookson’s Court Nursing Home in Yeovil on receiving an outstanding rating following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection; notes Cookson’s Court Nursing Home is part of the Somerset Care group providing services for a wide array of care needs; celebrates Cookson Court Nursing Home’s dedication to enhancing the lives of older adults through a high-quality person-centred care model; thanks the dedicated employees at Cookson Court Nursing home for their tireless work; recognises the home’s vital contribution to communities across Yeovil and South Somerset; and calls on the Government to consider how the care model at Cookson Court Nursing Home, and others like it, can inform nationally driven improvements to standards across the social care system.

That this House congratulates Cookson’s Court Nursing Home in Yeovil on receiving an outstanding rating following a recent Care Quality Commission inspection; notes Cookson’s Court Nursing Home is part of the Somerset Care group providing services for a wide array of care needs; celebrates Cookson Court Nursing Home’s dedication to...

That this House celebrates the continued success of the Project Dance Charity Foundation, which was founded by James Bamford at just 14 years old, in making performing arts more accessible and inclusive for students of all backgrounds; further congratulates James Bamford on his success in inspiring and motivating young performers; notes the importance of performance in fostering young people’s self-confidence and self-expression; recognises the importance of championing the arts in rural and semi-rural areas such as Yeovil and South Somerset; commends Yeovil Town Council on awarding Project Dance a £2,000 grant to expand access to its programmes across the town; and urges the Government to similarly strengthen its support for local arts services.

That this House celebrates the continued success of the Project Dance Charity Foundation, which was founded by James Bamford at just 14 years old, in making performing arts more accessible and inclusive for students of all backgrounds; further congratulates James Bamford on his success in inspiring and motivating young performers;...

That this House congratulates the Mini Police, a component of the National Volunteer Police Cadets programme for students aged eight to eleven years old, on their successful collaboration with Preston Primary School in Yeovil; expresses admiration for the Mini Police’s aim of introducing children to a positive experience of policing and fostering good relationships between the police and the wider community; celebrates the programme’s interactive and collaborative approach to community policing; recognises the importance of promoting safety and responsibility in students from a young age; and urges the Government to strengthen its provision of community-led policing initiatives.

That this House congratulates the Mini Police, a component of the National Volunteer Police Cadets programme for students aged eight to eleven years old, on their successful collaboration with Preston Primary School in Yeovil; expresses admiration for the Mini Police’s aim of introducing children to a positive experience of policing...

That this House recognises the significant benefits that sport, recreation and physical activity provide to people across the UK; acknowledges the £107 billion contribution they make to the wider economy through improved health and wellbeing as well as reduced costs to public services and the NHS; expresses concern at the Government’s proposals to weaken planning protections for playing fields and to remove Sport England as a statutory consultee from the planning system; notes that these changes will reduce the weight given to public health considerations in the planning system and may negatively impact the quality and provision of community sports facilities; notes Sports England’s expertise on protecting such spaces, and that it has been actively involved in over 44 planning applications and strategic consultations in Somerset since April 2022; and urges the Government to support Sport England’s Protect Where we Play campaign and rethink its proposed planning changes for the benefits of local communities and the wider economy.

That this House recognises the significant benefits that sport, recreation and physical activity provide to people across the UK; acknowledges the £107 billion contribution they make to the wider economy through improved health and wellbeing as well as reduced costs to public services and the NHS; expresses concern at the...

That this House celebrates the career of Mrs Ann Lambert, a dedicated school nurse who provided vital support to young people in Yeovil; recognises that Mrs Lambert is retiring after 16 years of service at Preston School and several years at Stanchester Academy before that; commends the outstanding support Mrs Lambert provided to students with Special Educational Needs in school; and urges the Government to support the training of further school nurses in rural schools to build on the legacy left by Anna and other school nurses like her.

That this House celebrates the career of Mrs Ann Lambert, a dedicated school nurse who provided vital support to young people in Yeovil; recognises that Mrs Lambert is retiring after 16 years of service at Preston School and several years at Stanchester Academy before that; commends the outstanding support Mrs...

That this House celebrates the upcoming launch of the Octagon Memory Choir, a new dementia-friendly choir designed to support people living with memory loss; further congratulates the Octagon Theatre and Westlands on the continued success of their Arts Engagement and Outreach programme; recognises the vital importance of effective dementia support; notes the positive role that arts and community initiatives play in improving quality of life for those affected by dementia; and urges the Government to strengthen its provision for elder care and dementia services.

That this House celebrates the upcoming launch of the Octagon Memory Choir, a new dementia-friendly choir designed to support people living with memory loss; further congratulates the Octagon Theatre and Westlands on the continued success of their Arts Engagement and Outreach programme; recognises the vital importance of effective dementia support;...

That this House congratulates Orchard Gymnastics on being named the IGA National Community Champion Club of the Year; recognises the vital role that local sports clubs play in strengthening communities; further recognises the physical and mental health benefits that young people gain from regular exercise and being part of a team; and urges the Government to strengthen its support for grassroots sports clubs across the country.

That this House congratulates Orchard Gymnastics on being named the IGA National Community Champion Club of the Year; recognises the vital role that local sports clubs play in strengthening communities; further recognises the physical and mental health benefits that young people gain from regular exercise and being part of a...

That this House commends the hard work and dedication of Linda Snelling of the Somerset Bus Partnership in supporting bus users in Somerset; recognises that this dedication comes at a time when bus mileage in the county has, since 2010, fallen more than 70% according to Government figures; further recognises the disproportionate impact these cuts have on rural communities such as those in Somerset, and on elderly populations who rely more on public transport; welcomes the £24.7 million boost for services in Somerset up to 2030 from the Department for Transport; and urges the Government to continue providing investment for rural bus provision.

That this House commends the hard work and dedication of Linda Snelling of the Somerset Bus Partnership in supporting bus users in Somerset; recognises that this dedication comes at a time when bus mileage in the county has, since 2010, fallen more than 70% according to Government figures; further recognises...

That this House celebrates the re-opening of Chard Young People’s Centre as The Hive; recognises the tireless efforts of Chard Town Council and local community activists in saving the site from closure; notes the importance of youth clubs up and down the country in providing safe and supportive environments for young people to learn and socialise; further recognises the vital role such provision plays in protecting at-risk youth and reducing anti-social behaviour; and urges the Government to work to strengthen support and funding for youth clubs.

That this House celebrates the re-opening of Chard Young People’s Centre as The Hive; recognises the tireless efforts of Chard Town Council and local community activists in saving the site from closure; notes the importance of youth clubs up and down the country in providing safe and supportive environments for...

That this House congratulates the Good Fellowship Club on receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; recognises the exemplary work it has done to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in Yeovil; acknowledges its innovative approach to tackling loneliness, including the use of adapted coaches to collect members from their homes; notes the loneliness epidemic faced by disabled senior citizens across the country; and urges the Government to support at-risk seniors and protect access to vital local services.

That this House congratulates the Good Fellowship Club on receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service; recognises the exemplary work it has done to improve the quality of life for senior citizens in Yeovil; acknowledges its innovative approach to tackling loneliness, including the use of adapted coaches to collect members...

That this House congratulates Yeovil College’s University Centre on its largest-ever graduation ceremony; further congratulates the 110 graduates who took part; recognises the vital role played by the college and its partners in training and upskilling the local workforce; notes the importance of higher and degree apprenticeships in unlocking prosperity for towns and rural communities; and urges the Government to work to improve access to higher and degree apprenticeships.

That this House congratulates Yeovil College’s University Centre on its largest-ever graduation ceremony; further congratulates the 110 graduates who took part; recognises the vital role played by the college and its partners in training and upskilling the local workforce; notes the importance of higher and degree apprenticeships in unlocking prosperity...

That this House congratulates the Swan Theatre in Yeovil constituency on opening new facilities to welcome its 50th Birthday, including a new bar and theatre foyer; recognises the important role played by the Swan Theatre and Yeovil Dramatic and Arts Society within the community; further recognises the vital contribution that arts institutions make to communities across the United Kingdom; and urges the Government to strengthen its support for local arts services.

That this House congratulates the Swan Theatre in Yeovil constituency on opening new facilities to welcome its 50th Birthday, including a new bar and theatre foyer; recognises the important role played by the Swan Theatre and Yeovil Dramatic and Arts Society within the community; further recognises the vital contribution that...