As Liberal Democrats, we are always keen to listen to local residents. We care deeply about our communities, and know how important it is that Guildford and our villages are clean, safe, and somewhere everyone can thrive.

That’s why, over the summer, our MP Zöe Franklin, and the Lib Dem team, asked residents to share their views through our summer survey. We wanted to hear directly about the issues affecting you and your family, and what changes you want to see locally.

We were delighted to see so many residents respond to the survey from all across the constituency.

The responses have shown some clear concerns coming up again and again. Many local people have told us they are worried about the NHS, protecting our environment and green spaces and the increasing cost of living.

It was clear that many residents are still concerned about the future of our NHS. An issue which was raised repeatedly was the concern of residents about the time it took to get a GP appointment.

Zöe Franklin has been fighting in Parliament to improve NHS access for local people. This has included campaigning for a new Health Hub in Bellfields and backing the new Lib Dem policy for a new “GP Guarantee” which would mean no new housing developments without expanding the capacity of local GP services.

People also shared their concerns regarding the protection of our green spaces. Zöe Franklin has been fighting in Parliament to protect Guildford’s green spaces. This has included standing up and voting against all of Labour’s damaging changes to planning regulations.

Zöe and the Lib Dem team will continue to look at the responses to the survey to see what actions can be taken to address residents' concerns. We will also continue working with our local communities to ensure we act on the issues that matter most to you.

If you have any issues you would like to raise, you can contact Zöe Franklin via email at Zoe.Franklin.MP@Parliament.uk.

Following local government reorganisation, Zöe Franklin pushes for Guildford’s centuries old county town status to be reconfirmed.

Guildford’s Liberal Democrat MP Zöe Franklin is lobbying the new West Surrey Council leader for Guildford to retain its longstanding county town status as the new authority is formed in April next year.

The new Council, under its newly elected leader, Cllr Paul Follows, will take over the responsibility and budgets for all local government services currently divided between the six borough and district councils in the west of Surrey and Surrey County Council.

Zöe Franklin said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen representation and accountability and make sure the new authority best serves its 663,000 residents.

“I want to see Guildford retain its historic county town status as this major shift in local government takes place in Surrey.

"Guildford was granted status as the county town of Surrey by a Royal Charter issued by Henry III in 1257.

"Our Castle was the only royal castle ever built in Surrey. The iconic cobbled high street dates back to Saxon times, and today is a community hub for markets and independent shops alongside big names on the high street.

“I am hugely proud of The University and the Research Park, which together are a powerhouse taking our historic market town to a global hub for science, technology and learning. Guildford is also known as the “Hollywood” of the computer games industry.

"Publicly restating Guildford’s role as the county town in this new local government model is a fitting way to formally recognise its status as the cultural, economic and strategic heart of West Surrey.”

Ends

The Post Office has now confirmed that the Burpham branch is scheduled to close on 22 August 2026 following Morrisons’ decision to close the store that it is located within.  

As soon as I was alerted to the possibility of the closure, I contacted Morrisons to ask them for their reasons for closing and to understand the considerations it had taken into account when making its decision, including the impact on local residents and the knock-on effect on the Post Office service. 

Whilst the closure is going ahead, the Post Office have confirmed that they are actively seeking a long-term replacement for the service in Burpham. Applications are now open for individuals or businesses interested in operating a Post Office branch in the area. Residents who may be interested, or who know of a suitable local business, can find further information through the Burpham Post Office branch advert – Run a Post Office. 

Burpham Post Office branch advert - Run a Post Office 

The Post Office have also launched a consultation setting out details of the closure and outlining alternative branches available nearby. Information will also be displayed in the branch. 

Please see below for more information about the consultation.

I understand that this news will be disappointing for many residents, particularly those who rely on local Post Office services and may face challenges travelling further afield. Access to these services is especially important for older and more vulnerable members of our community. 

I will continue to engage with both Morrisons and the Post Office and will support all efforts to ensure that Burpham retains the much-needed community Post Office counter service that local residents depend on. 

I've called on the Government to scrap the unfair jobs tax, as former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn’s review into youth unemployment – published last week – shows over a million young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET). That's one in 8 young people – and rising.

This is appalling, but sadly the Milburn Review only confirms what we already knew - far too many young people are seeing their hopes and ambitions ripped away just as they enter adult life.

Here in Guildford constituency, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed a 12% rise in 18–24-year-olds claiming unemployment related benefits between April 2025 and April 2026.

I’ve consistently opposed the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions (the "jobs tax”), and business rates hikes that we Lib Dems knew would hit opportunities for young people, especially on the high street where many get their first start.  

We repeatedly voted against the changes and will continue pushing the Government to urgently act to repair the mess they have made and get our economy growing, so our young people can build a future they can believe in.   

I have been proud to attend several civic events in Guildford over the past couple of weeks, including taking part in the Civic Procession to welcome the new Mayor of Guildford ahead of Sunday’s annual Civic Service. 

The service marked the beginning of the mayoral year for Cllr Jane Tyson. 

Importantly, I joined fellow civic, faith and community leaders to reflect on how we can continue to build safe, inclusive communities – where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their faith or beliefs. 

We stand firmly alongside people of all faiths and none, and we reaffirm our commitment to working with residents, partners and community organisations to promote understanding, cohesion and safety.

As part of this, we came together to make a shared pledge against hate crime.