North Somerset Labour Party
Labour — a listening organisation
‘We listened to you and this is what we did’ was the theme of the stall run by Labour Party volunteers at Nailsea market on Saturday 16th November.
Volunteers from North Somerset Labour Party were out in force at Nailsea market on Saturday to talk to members of the public about how the Labour Government’s budget will help them. The purpose of the stall was to show that Labour had kept their pledge to redistribute wealth from those who could most afford it to those who most needed it.
Previous consultations by the party had shown that the NHS, social care, climate change, housing, local economy, and education were the areas of most concern to Nailsea residents. To demonstrate Labour’s commitment to listening to, and acting on, people’s concerns, the stall displayed a poster showcasing some of the areas in which the Government has done just that.
Members of the public were invited to vote for the policy they were most impressed with. The Chancellor’s investment of an extra £2.3bn in schools — including hiring 6,500 extra teachers and boosting special educational needs and disabilities provision — came out on top. The education system will also receive an extra £6.7bn in capital spending to include a school building programme. Other policies announced in the budget including a £45 per week increase in carer’s allowance and £26bn — the biggest cash boost since 2010 — for the NHS were also popular with Nailsea shoppers.
Residents also shared concerns regarding several local issues such as access to Nailsea and Backwell train station for disabled people, the threatened closure of Nailsea Post Office, and the future of the Portishead rail line. Local Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan is working to help resolve these issues. He said, “Sadly, we all know transport infrastructure in North Somerset is lacking. I have been working hard with the Department for Transport to help deliver these vital upgrades. The threat of closure of the Nailsea Post Office is also a great concern; since the announcement I have asked the Post Office and the Communication Workers Union for urgent talks to avoid this outcome.”
Those running the stall said the Government’s changes to the Winter Fuel Allowance — which has involved means testing to restrict payment to those receiving Pension Credit — are causing anxiety for some residents. Volunteers explained to those worried that they should apply for Pension Credit before December 21st if they are eligible in order to continue benefiting from the Winter Fuel Payment. Thousands of pensioners eligible pensioners are yet to apply.
Clare Hunt, Labour’s District Councillor for Nailsea Youngwood, was one of those Labour volunteers at the market on Saturday. She said, “Many pensioners have admitted to me that they don’t need this extra payment. It is only fair therefore that the allowance is directed to those who need it the most.” Any reader struggling with bills should contact Citizen’s Advice at No. 65 Nailsea High Street or talk to Cllr Hunt at one of her drop-in sessions. These take place every second Saturday of the month from 10:00 – 12:00 noon at Nailsea Library.
Sadik Al-Hassan said, “It was lovely to see so many people engaging with the Chancellor’s budget to make life better for working people and rebuild our communities after 14 years of neglect. We all recognise the need to fix the foundations of our public services, high streets, and for economic fairness; this budget resets Britain’s path from decline to growth. I will continue to work hard as your MP to put North Somerset on the map and deliver for all residents.”