With the upcoming budget on Wednesday, 11th March, I would like to take the opportunity to comment on my priorities for Telford. Obviously, whilst the priority of the Government is to ensure financial stability for the economy ahead of any impact from the ongoing Coronavirus issue.
The welcome focus of this Government on ‘levelling up’ infrastructure, public services and opportunity is a very welcome change in tone from number 10. It is in no small part thanks to the 25,546 people who voted for me that our town is getting noticed at the highest levels of government. The 2019 election changed the political map of our country and has encouraged those in London to take greater note of towns and communities around the UK. As your MP, it is my central focus in Parliament to ensure that Telford’s voice is heard and that we benefit from our new Government’s focus on our towns.
In line with the Conservative belief that people should keep more of what they earn, I would like to see lower taxes for the low paid, ensuring that those people who are often disproportionally hit by our arbitrary tax system can see more money in their pocket. A temporary VAT reduction would be welcome as a way to stimulate growth as we recalibrate the nation’s economy to take advantage of the opportunities of leaving the European Union.
Ensuring the Future Fit proposals best serve the people of Telford remains one of my top priorities in Parliament. I would like to see a major funding injection for a new standalone critical care centre for the residents of both Telford and Shrewsbury, alleviating the problems at the Princess Royal and ensuring that Telford does not lose access to 24-hour A&E provision. I will continue to champion this model as a suitable compromise for both towns and a framework for improving our health services and reducing health inequalities between Telford and other parts of the country.
In terms of infrastructure investment, I would specifically like to see more direct rail services from Telford Central to Wolverhampton, New Street and Euston. I have been pleased to hear in my meetings with Midlands Connect and West Midlands Railway that this issue – caused by a lack of capacity at Dudley Port – will be alleviated by the opening of HS2 and that Telford will directly benefit from the extra available rail capacity. As a new town with a high proportion of commuters, this is vital to ensure our long-term prosperity as a key town in Shropshire and the West Midlands.
Finally, following the recent flooding in Ironbridge and around the country, I would welcome further investment in flood defences and long-term environmental management to ensure that homes and businesses are not subject to annual flooding that poses a risk to life and costs huge amounts to repair.
I look forward to the budget in the knowledge that this Government is prioritising the needs of people around the country and playing my part in ensuring Telford’s voice is heard in Westminster.
