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. 

On Friday, I hosted a constituency business briefing at The Lighthouse in Guildford, bringing together business leaders from across the area for a working breakfast.
The session provided an opportunity to update attendees on my work locally and to share my priorities for supporting businesses across the constituency and listen to their experiences of the current business environment. It was also a valuable chance for local leaders from a wide range of sectors to connect, exchange ideas and build relationships.

I am grateful to everyone who took the time to attend and contribute to a constructive and insightful discussion about how we can best support our local economy. 
 

Guildford MP calls on Government to "scrap the unfair jobs tax" as report shows over a million young people are not in education, employment or training 

Shocking findings from a review into youth unemployment were published last week showing that over a million young people are not in education, employment or training. 

Former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, was officially commissioned by the UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to investigate youth unemployment. His findings show that one in 8 young people – and rising – now fall into the NEET category. 

Guildford MP Zöe Franklin is demanding that the Government to go further and faster to prevent an entire generation of young people being left behind, after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal a 12% rise in 18–24-year-olds claiming unemployment related benefits in the Guildford constituency between April 2025 and April 2026. 

Responding to the news, Zöe Franklin, said: 

“The Milburn Review confirms what we already knew: too many young people are seeing their hopes and ambitions ripped away just as they enter adult life. 

“They should be entering the best years of their lives, yet they’re seeing opportunities lost and futures put on hold. Behind the statistics are real lives being thwarted.  

“Labour cannot say they weren’t warned. We Liberal Democrats repeatedly warned that their jobs tax and business rates hikes would hit opportunities for young people, especially on the high street where many get their first start. 

"The Government must act urgently to repair the mess they have made. That means a proper plan to get our economy growing, scrapping the unfair jobs tax, properly supporting our hospitality sector and boosting skills and apprenticeships – so our young people can build a future they can believe in.” 

Following Budget changes to employer National Insurance in late 2024, Zöe Franklin consistently opposed the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions (the “jobs tax”), taking part in dozens of key votes on the Bill. 

As Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government, her work on youth employment focuses on how councils, communities, and regional funding can better support young people into work. 

ENDS 

Milburn Review report. 

Office for National Statistics claimant count figures. 

This week in Parliament, I raised concerns with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero about the impact of high energy costs on local businesses.  

I highlighted a third-generation manufacturing company that invested in a solar-powered, energy-efficient site to cut emissions and boost productivity, yet now faces sharply rising operating costs. Their business rates have jumped from £130,000 to £573,000 a year, and high industrial energy prices are limiting their ability to invest and compete. 

At a recent Business Breakfast, many small and medium sized firms shared similar worries, describing energy costs as one of the biggest barriers to growth. The Liberal Democrats believe that businesses driving clean growth need fair conditions to succeed, including reformed business rates, lower industrial electricity costs and long-term certainty. 

Local firms are not seeking handouts—they want a stable environment that supports investment, jobs and the transition to net zero. I therefore pressed the Government on discussions with the Chancellor about reducing industrial energy and related policy costs. Guildford is home to ambitious, innovative companies that contribute significantly to our economy, and I will continue pushing for practical solutions that help them thrive.

Watch my speech

At the Liberal Democrat Party Conference earlier last week, I was delighted that my amendment to the Lib Dems new policy on the space sector was passed. My aim was to  highlight the vital role our universities play in driving the UK’s space industry forward. 

The UK space sector is a remarkable success story. It is growing faster than the wider economy and attracting more private investment than any country outside the US. Satellite services alone underpin industries worth 18% of UK GDP, powering everything from communications and navigation to climate monitoring and national security.  

Here in Guildford constituency, satellite services are particularly important to the local economy. Surrey Research Park is home to serval world leading small satellite businesses including Airbus and HotSat. The University of Surrey is home to world-leading space engineering and the UK’s largest university spinout, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. 

Further growth depends on research, innovation, and skills and universities are central to that success. They train the engineers of tomorrow and foster the partnerships that keep Britain at the cutting edge. 

My amendment ensures that we recognise this contribution and commit to investing in the talent pipeline that will secure our global leadership in space. This is about jobs, growth, and opportunities, as well as inspiring the next generation to dream big. 

Watch my speech below.

Chancellor's Spring Statement leaves Guildford constituency MP Zöe Franklin "fearful" for vulnerable people and local businesses.

“Today was the opportunity for the Chancellor to make a positive change to Guildford's future. She did not deliver.”

Zöe Franklin MP said: “We are all going to see our household bills go up in the next few days. 

“We’ll be paying more for our gas and electricity, as well as our water bills, and increases in car tax and stamp duty will also take effect in the new Tax Year on 6^th April.” 

Ms Franklin continued: “Today’s statement confirms that disability welfare payments will be cut when people who need them can least afford it.  

“They are a lifeline to so many people. The letters I see every day are heartbreaking. PIP payments help with the extra costs of managing a health condition and enable people to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible. PIP can pay the costs of getting to work. One constituent told me without it, the journey would be impossible. The constituent wants to work and wants to contribute to their community. Taking away this sense of pride and achievement is devastating.” 

The Spring Statement made no change to the planned increase in Employers’ National Insurance due from 6^th April.  

Zöe Franklin said: “The local businesses which have weathered fourteen years of the Conservatives’ economic vandalism, on top of the burden the pandemic brought, wanted to see the Chancellor review the increase in employers’ national insurance payments, due from 6^th April. 

“This extra cost will place a huge extra burden on business, which are already under immense pressure. 

“The Liberal Democrats believe the big banks, social media and gambling companies should pay their fair share. Instead, local employers, the hospitality sector and of course our GP surgeries, care homes and hospices, will be facing increased costs. 

“The Spring Statement was a chance to bring positive change to people and businesses across the Guildford constituency. I am deeply disappointed, and I fear for the impact this will have on people who need the support of welfare, on businesses, jobs and our communities.”