With the festive season now behind us, I have been listening carefully to local businesses about the challenges they face following the Autumn Budget.
Many have expressed real concern, particularly within our hospitality sector.
We are fortunate to have so many outstanding pubs and restaurants in Epping Forest, and I recently visited the fantastic Theydon Oak to hear directly about the pressures businesses are experiencing, including rising costs and other concerns.
Despite these challenges, our local enterprises continue to shine.
I was delighted that Mila in Loughton has been named a finalist in the Best Value Restaurant category at the British Kebab Awards 2026.
This national recognition is a testament to the hard work and resilience of local business owners who continue to deliver excellence in difficult circumstances. I will continue to champion our high streets in Parliament and press for the support our businesses need to thrive.
Healthcare remains a key focus of my work.
I am pleased that the new Community Diagnostic Centre at St Margaret’s Hospital is due to open soon and will help improve access to tests.
I am delighted that this project initiated and committed to by the previous Government is on track, and that under concerted pressure from me, the new Government agreed to continue this much-needed Centre.
However, ongoing delays to the rebuilding of Princess Alexandra and Whipps Cross hospitals are deeply concerning. I have visited both sites recently to discuss the challenges staff and patients face, and I will continue to push for urgent progress.
With extensive housing targets set by the Government, I have also raised the need for local health services to keep pace, including the long-overdue requirement for a GP surgery in Chigwell Parish.
At the end of 2025, I was delighted to attend the Epping Forest Youth Conference, which brought together more than 100 young people from across the district. I spoke at the launch of the Youth Council’s excellent report on youth vaping, an issue I have long been concerned about.
It has also been a pleasure to visit more of our excellent local schools, including The Tower School, Epping Primary School, and Ivy Chimneys Primary. Meeting pupils and staff and hearing directly from young people about the issues that matter most to them is always a highlight.
Finally, transport remains a major concern, particularly on the Central Line.
The level of graffiti on trains is unacceptable, and I will continue to press Transport for London to take swift and effective action.
- Dr Neil Hudson is Conservative MP for Epping Forest.
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