The Government is coming good on its promise to communities across the North and Midlands, investing billions of pounds reallocated from HS2 into local transport, with busses and road resurfacing a particular focus. Here in Lancashire, we will be benefitting from a 30% uplift in funding to tackle potholes, a scourge in so many places across Fylde, as well as investment to cap bus fares and expand routes.
Significantly, this funding is being boosted by an additional half a billion pounds to back transport infrastructure projects and I am determined that Fylde receive its fair share of this money. Top of list of asks is for the County Council’s help with the South Fylde Line and the passing loop we so desperately need to double services.
It is astonishing that an area so heavily populated and so popular with visitors continues to be served by just one train an hour, even before considering the line’s reliability issues. It is a point that I have repeatedly made to Ministers, local Government and even the Prime Minister but one that I will not stop repeating until we have that passing loop.
But the Government’s plan is not limited to transport, and the Prime Minister and Chancellor are working tirelessly to help people financially, a focus that continues with the upcoming Budget. Last week saw the good news that Ofgem will be reducing the Energy Price Cap by £238, a drop of 12% and taking energy bills back to where they were before the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
With £27 million working people having benefitted from a tax cut last month, worth £450 to someone on an income of £35,000, a corner has been turned and the Government’s plan is now baring fruit. With the Budget due next week, I am speaking with Ministers about how they can best support people and businesses in Fylde so that we continue to feel the benefits of this upturn.
This week is the final chance to sign my Parliamentary Petition regarding the Morgan & Morecambe transmission asset proposals, with signatures needing to be in by Thursday at the latest.
I am aware that a ‘targeted consultation’ is now underway, and I have asked BP & EnBW for an explanation as how these consultees were decided upon and whether this consultation reflects any alterations to previous plans.
Parliamentary business allowing, I will present the petition early next week, giving me the opportunity to speak briefly on the floor of the House of Commons and raise the concerns that so many of you have voiced via email, letter or through the many discussions I have had with residents.