With the legacy of the pandemic and the ongoing fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine there is no doubt that our public finances and the services they fund have been put under real strain. For so many in Fylde I know that this has resulted in worries about the cost of living and the NHS backlog.
The Prime Minister is determined to face these challenges head on, resolving the financial and other difficulties we face.
This has required tough choices, but the Government is prioritising the issues that matter to people in Fylde and across the country. Following recent progress on illegal immigration, political issues in Northern Ireland and a reaffirmed commitment on defence, the Budget was another step in doing so.
The Energy Price Guarantee, for example, which has subsidised unit energy costs has been extended for three months until June, saving the average household an additional £160. Overall, when the £400 Energy Bill Support Scheme is included, this will mean that the Government is subsidising roughly half of household energy bills.
In addition to tackling inflation, people also need to see more money in their pockets, helping them to get out and make the most of countless small and independent shops, pubs, and restaurants we have across Fylde. I was delighted that the Chancellor not only froze Fuel Duty but introduced a post-Brexit Beer Duty reform for pub-sold draught pints, bringing it to 11p lower than supermarket bought beer.
Locally, I share residents’ frustration around deteriorating road surfaces and, in addition to ongoing investment in Fylde’s three large scale highways projects, the Budget saw confirmation that Lancashire has been given an extra £5,122,000 to deal with potholes. I am now speaking with the County Council about how this money can be put to work in Fylde and raising specific areas of concern.
Reaching a pay agreement with healthcare unions is to be very much welcomed.
Our nurses and healthcare professionals work incredibly hard; the pandemic shone a light on their efforts and this hard work has only continued in battling the backlog leftover from Covid. Through tough but fair negotiation, an agreement has been reached to give a one off pay rise of two per cent, an NHS backlog bonus and a five per cent increase next year. This deal rewards staff fairly for their efforts without fuelling inflation or unduly damaging our public finances.
With the first signs of Spring in the air and Easter just over a fortnight away the tourist season is almost upon us, and local businesses are working tirelessly to prepare. On Friday I visited Dan Yates at the HY hotel, later meeting with Andrew Whittaker from Mode Hotels and Richard Webb and his team at the Grand to see this work in action and to discuss their plans for the future.
Their investment, hard work and the dedication of their teams ensure that Fylde remains home to so many hotels and hospitality venues of the highest quality.