New Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has a hefty pile of questions to answer after taking control of the UK’s stuttering economy this week – so the Herald thought we’d add a few more to the pile!

We asked a selection of councillors, business leaders and constituents in South West Surrey what they would like to ask Mr Hunt, and below is a scattering of what they fired back...

  • Mark Westcott, constituent based in Rowledge: “The burning question is will you find time for your constituents? I’ve been seeking a ‘surgery’ appointment for more than three months now...”
  • Cllr Carole Cockburn (Conservative, The Bourne): “Will you deliver the promises in the Localism Act and give neighbourhood planning the protection it deserves in the long-awaited revision to planning guidance?”
  • Cllr Mark Merryweather (Lib Dem, Weybourne and Badshot Lea, Waverley portfolio holder for finance): “As chancellor, do you still support reform in local government funding and reform of business rates?”
  • David Quick, owner of Borellis Wine Yard in Farnham: “The hospitality industry is still reeling with the colossal losses it has suffered because of Covid and Brexit. Will you reduce VAT back to five per cent on all food and drink and 12.5 per cent on alcohol, and scrap business rates until April 2023?”
  • Craig McGowan, president of Haslemere & District Chamber of Trade: “Having guaranteed business 6 months help on energy costs can you guarantee that you will let us know at least 2 months in advance of the end of the period what the government intends to do after.
  • Cllr John Neale (Farnham Residents, Firgrove): “Germany’s war in the 1940s stimulated regeneration of our towns and cities in the post-war period, Russia’s war in Ukraine needs to do the same today. Please continue to help Farnham people get the town centre they really want in the 2020s.”
  • Vanessa Ford-Robbins, one of the main organisers of the Dunsfold anti-drilling demonstration supported by Mr Hunt in January: “At the time of the demonstration you stated ‘I cannot see how this site has any role to play in our future energy supply’. Do you still believe that drilling at this site, which is not supported by many of your constituents, has any role to play in the UK’s future energy supply? If so, will you be taking the matter up with the secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy?”
  • Cllr Paul Follows (Lib Dem, Godalming South, Waverley Borough Council leader): “Now you have joined a cabinet that is overtly pro-fracking, do you still oppose fracking as you did as a backbencher and, if so, what are you doing about it now you’re back in government?”

What question would you like to pose to the new chancellor? Email your burning queries for Mr Hunt to [email protected]