In a letter last week to the Housing Secretary, Oliver has called for the Government to help local councils deliver vital upgrades to local infrastructure.

The call came after the announcement by the Government of the new £2.3bn Housing Infrastructure Fund. This new programme is designed to help communities across the country cope with more housing and growing populations.

Hertsmere’s bid during the most recent round of funding was unsuccessful, following which Mr Dowden decided to press the Ministry of Housing on what alternatives are available.

Speaking this week, Oliver said: ‘It’s crucial that if our communities grow they are supported by the right infrastructure, so we have enough school places, good healthcare facilities and efficient transport links. This is something I push for as a Minister, for example through my membership of the cross-Government working groups looking at these issues.

‘My letter to the Housing Secretary is just the latest part of my campaign as Hertsmere’s MP to make sure that our Borough gets the infrastructure we need.

‘I welcomed the Government’s creation of the Housing Infrastructure Fund, and I have requested that the Secretary of State write to me setting out what other action the Government is taking alongside this to help local authorities such as Hertsmere.

‘If you are interested and want to read more detail about my work on this issue, please read the articles on this site and visit my Facebook page.’