It is Conservative Party conference this week, an opportunity to outline the Government’s agenda and to debate the ideas which will help improve the lives of people across the United Kingdom, including those living here in Fylde.
There is no doubt it has been a difficult few weeks for the Prime Minister and her Cabinet and I understand the concerns that have been raised over the package of measures unveiled in the recent mini budget. I have voiced my concerns, both publicly and in direct conversations with Ministers, about some of the policies announced. I am pleased that the Prime Minister and Chancellor have listened to the points that Conservative colleagues and I have raised and have altered their stance.
Broadly, this is a positive package of reforms which put economic growth at the heart of Government policy, whilst addressing immediate concerns over energy costs and wider inflation. I know that further measures are due to be announced later this autumn.
The Government is listening too when it comes to fracking. Last week I had a lengthy and constructive conversation with the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. I am glad that, having spoken himself with the Prime Minister, he agrees with me over the need to ensure there is public consent, something I do not believe exists here in Fylde. The hard work continues to define how that consent will be measured and precisely who will be asked. I want to ensure any consultation exercise is genuine, transparent and does not cost the public a penny and remain absolutely clear in my view that the geology here in Fylde is not suitable for fracking, evidenced by the seismic incidents which have triggered two national moratoriums.
Last week I was delighted to visit the Senior Moments Hub in St Annes and to meet with the team to talk about the care and support they provide across the community. It was particularly interesting to talk about the work of Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurses, whose work locally is centred around Trinity Hospice. Sally and the Senior Moments team have raised well over £1,000 for the charity, having taken part in a banger rally to Gibraltar and I know the money will be put to good use, ensuring those with dementia, their families and carers get the help and support they need.
I also took the opportunity to visit Walton’s coaches in Freckleton to hear more about the challenges the industry is facing and the continuing impact of the pandemic on costs and recruitment. Coach operators are vital not only to our tourism sector but to our schools and businesses. I now want to ensure they get the assistance they need to recover and grow and will be taking forward to Ministers the important points raised.
With autumn now upon us I know many families will be worrying about rising bills. Those who pay their providers directly should be seeing the first Government-backed discounts on their monthly bills shortly. I know, however, there are those, including people living in park homes, who have different payment methods and I continue to press the Government to bring forward details of a package to ensure they have the necessary help they need ahead of the winter.