MP Tessa Munt says she is "flat out" representing local people as 2026 gets underway — with tax reform, rural crime, youth opportunity and public accountability all on her agenda.

In her latest update, Ms Munt welcomed movement on inheritance tax following local pressure to raise the threshold above £1 million. She praised support from Somerset farmers who met MPs in 2025 and said she would continue pushing for the tax to be scrapped altogether.

She also confirmed talks are ongoing to secure fairer business rates for hospitality and high street firms. Locally, she recently met farmers concerned about hare coursing, theft and organised rural crime, urging residents to report suspicious behaviour to police but not intervene directly.

Ms Munt voiced support for the return of the Erasmus student exchange scheme from 2027, calling it a vital opportunity for young people to live and study in Europe. She backed the first reading of the UK-EU Customs Union Bill, aimed at improving trade links and reducing dependency on the US and China.

She also criticised attempts by ministers to weaken the proposed Public Office Accountability Bill — known as the Hillsborough Law — and pledged to fight for wording that guarantees transparency and justice for victims of official failure.

Constituents can contact Ms Munt directly or attend one of her first-come, first-served surgeries.

More local stories:

• Wells Cathedral exhibition puts Somerset BLM protests in spotlight

• Shepton road closed until 2 February for National Grid works

• Somerset charity launches new countryside awards scheme

Sign up to your nearest Nub News newsletter | Shepton Mallet | Glastonbury — Get the top stories from across the area every Friday.