Last year, the government cut your National Insurance from 12% to 10%. This week the Chancellor announced we are your National Insurance again from 10% to 8%. That’s a £900 tax cut for people on average salaries.
As Minister for Mental Health, I brought forward a review to the outdated Mental Health Act with a promise it would be reformed. Five years later and we are still awaiting this much needed reform.
This week MPs debated the King’s speech. I spoke about the need for mental health reform and the ongoing challenges regarding Healthcare across South Essex. Thurrock has suffered from the under provision of GP services for decades now.
As Armistice day and Remembrance Sunday approach, we reflect on how much we owe to those who fought to keep our country free. We should never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy and that so many gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend.
Residents and motorists across Thurrock endured repeated disruption thanks to the nuisance tactics from the ‘Just Stop Oil’ agitators. They caused misery for many thousands of us who were just going about our daily lives.
Throughout my time as Thurrock’s Member of Parliament, I have constantly lobbied Government to get the best I can for Thurrock. And too often, Thurrock Council has failed to deliver what has been promised. The recent Government inspection has identified the serious failings in delivery.
Last week, we witnessed a furore over the pay award for Thurrock Council’s senior staff and a proposal that the 4% pay rise be withdrawn given the financial difficulties being faced by the Council.
We often hear reference to ‘underfunding’ when discussing public services. It suggests that everything would be rosy if only the stingy old Government would just give out a bit more money. If only life were that simple.
The Department for Transport has announced that Tilbury Town Station will move to Pay As You Go ticketing by the end of the year as part of a move to roll out this improvement across 200 stations.
