Council tax is an important source of income by which the local authority funds important local services like rubbish collection, street cleaning and road improvement, and adult social care. Last year, Barnsley Council implemented a council tax rise of 3.9%, with half of that going to fund adult social care services and the other half going to other services.

This past week I have been out and about across my Barnsley Central constituency. Parliament is in recess for the conference season and so it’s a good chance to be talking to people about the issues that matter to them.

It’s reassuring to know that, should you need urgent medical care, then you can turn up at the hospital A&E department and – even if you have to wait a while – you’ll get seen and treated.

I have written before about anti-social behaviour in our town centre and it’s something I’m again increasingly concerned about.

Let’s be clear: the intimidating behaviour we have seen recently are seeing is totally unacceptable.

The actions of this small minority are affecting everyone. Whilst many shoppers just choose to go and shop somewhere else, local business owners and workers don’t have that choice.

I remain very concerned about recent developments regarding potential fracking sites in Barnsley.