From personal care to water companies, the message from last week’s Labour Party Conference in Liverpool was clear: Britain needs more public control, not less.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s announcement of a new National Care Service, free at the point of use, will be a welcome one to those who have had to fork out thousands from their life-savings to pay for care. As will the plans to further public control and oversight of water companies, many of whom nationally have been unscrupulously polluting our waterways for far too long. The introduction of a new publicly owned body – Great British Grid – will speed up grid connections, support reindustrialisation and drive down bills. This shows a clear commitment to creating better value for taxpayers and higher quality services throughout.
Housing has always been the largest topic of correspondence I receive, which is why I welcome the news that local authorities will be given greater powers to bring more properties into council ownership and keep rogue landlords in check. This is especially important considering the acute housing crisis we face currently.
Conference also provides the opportunity to meet with many different stakeholders on behalf of constituents of mine who have raised various issues. I met with Link to discuss issues with access to cash in Neston, Universities UK to speak on the challenges facing the two universities within Chester North & Neston and Royal Mail to highlight issues residents had raised with me about services across our area. On top of this, I had meetings with the Stroke Association and the British Horseracing Authority.
I also had the chance to visit some of the many stands conference hosts, such as the always fantastic Chester Zoo stand. I also met the assistance dogs and their owners at Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the giant beagle at Humane Research’s stand. It was also great to visit Shelter’s stand, to talk about homelessness Shelter as well as the Food and Drink Federation.
I am encouraged by the plans Andy Burnham outlined for Britain at Labour Party Conference. His message of unity and hope is important; I look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ease the cost-of-living crisis, increase public control of essential industries and build growth across the country.
I hold regular surgeries and meetings with residents. If you or anyone you know needs help in any matter, please get in touch with me at samantha.dixon.mp@parliament.uk.