Arundel and South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, was the guest speaker at the Horsham District Older People’s Forum held in Pulborough Village Hall on Friday (5th December). David Searle, the charity’s Chairman, chaired the event.
The Horsham District Older Peoples Forum (HDOPF) is an independent, non-political, voluntary group that is free to attend and participate in. It acts as the 'ears' and gives a voice to people aged 60 and over who reside in the Horsham District.
The Forum, supported by Age UK West Sussex, runs quarterly public meetings at venues around the district.
Friday’s Forum was attended by over 30 residents from the district who were keen to put questions to their local MP in the ‘Question Time’ segment of the half-day programme. Laura Robertson, Director of Communications and Engagement at NHS Sussex, provided an online update to the audience, and the Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens spoke to residents afterwards.
Issues raised to the MP were on national and local topics, seeking his views on the most pressing matters that affect older people. There was significant interest in Andrew’s views around the topic of a Sussex Mayor and the Local Government Reorganisation programme in the wake of this week’s news confirming the mayoral elections in May 2026 will now be postponed for two years. Andrew was candid in his response saying that the whole programme should be scrapped in favour of focussing on the country’s bigger and more pressing issues.
Residents also voiced their concerns about the pressure on GPs and other health services with so much new housebuilding planned for the district.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“I am grateful to the Forum for inviting me to speak to them today, and we had lots to talk about! It was made very clear to me that this government needs to do more to protect the services that older people are reliant on – from health services and public transport to making it possible to keep warm at home on a basic pension.
“The Horsham District Older Peoples Forum is an important voice for residents over the age of 60 and I commend their work and engagement.”
