This week I want to focus on some of the important work we are doing as the Labour Party both locally and nationally to fight for the interests of families and communities.
It would be remiss, however, not to mention a very important event I attended on Friday March 11th. In my role as Cabinet Member for Children’s Services I was proud to speak at the relaunch of the ‘Children & Young People’s Partnership Board’ for Knowsley. This was a well-attended event with leaders from across the Early Help spectrum, schools and the community/voluntary sector. I was pleased to hear the positivity and commitment from the attendees to making a difference to children and young people in Knowsley. We want to build on the fantastic work that already happens across our borough and ensure we have an effective body that co-ordinates this work and sets priorities for the future. I acknowledge that our focus on making improvements in Children’s Social Care and strengthening the Safeguarding Board has delayed the restart of the CYP Partnership Board, but it will be a big priority for 2016.
In recent weeks I have had the pleasure of learning more about the political life of a former MP for Huyton and UK Prime Minister, Harold Wilson. It is also 100 years since his birth and I think he is an unappreciated person both in the Labour Party and the country. During the last referendum held about Britain’s membership of the European Union Wilson was a Prime Minister who stayed above the fray and made it clear he would respect the wishes of the British people after the vote. He was also a man who astutely managed to hold together the ‘broad church’ of individuals that make up the Labour Party.
One of Wilson’s great achievements was to help close the gap in terms of equality and stand up for working families and communities. This week we are likely to have a budget that will increase inequality across the UK and pile misery on the majority of people. The Labour Party will be doing its utmost to highlight the difficulties that families will face as a consequence of the Budget and seek ways to soften the impact of changes or oppose them completely. I am heartened by the great work Labour Parliamentarians have done to stop cuts to Child Tax Credits and Sunday Trading. More of the same please! But the impact of Tory changes to welfare and support to hard-working families is now a reality across the country and it appears the South East is finally waking up to the cruelty and unfairness we have known in Merseyside for the past 5 years. The list of changes and cuts is truly breathtaking and, from my perspective, will impact adversely on the vast majority of families and communities. If you weren’t aware, here are some of the policy changes we must share and bring to the attention of residents across Knowsley:
– Our NHS is failing under the Tories. Due to under investment and poor political leadership 2016 is its worst year on record – Click Here
– Cuts to Universal Credit will make 2 million families up to £1,600 worse off. Sign Labour’s petition here
– Cuts to children’s mental health services are risking the future for many of our most vulnerable children and young people – Click Here
– Cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) will see many disabled people lose up to £150 per week from their household budgets
– Prescription charges and NHS dental health treatment charges will rise increasing further pressure on household budgets – Click Here
– Wages stagnate. Zero hour contracts become the norm for many people.
– Cuts to local authorities continue relentlessly. Pressure increases on local authorities to support residents and families hit by cuts
The Labour Party in Knowsley and across the UK will continue to fight for the interests of the many, not the few. The challenge is formidable and at times feels daunting but I personally want to rise to the challenge and stand-up for families and our great institutions like the NHS. I am an optimist but, as the quote from the great Harold Wilson states “….I am an optimist who carries a raincoat”.
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