With my final column of this year, I thought it was worth looking back on the past 12 months even if I’d have preferred some events to turn out differently.
After very high inflation due largely to the war in Ukraine and energy prices, inflation came down and in January the economy began turning the corner. That progress continued with our economy growing fastest compared to major economies. Of course, even improving economic circumstances were not insufficient for my party to retain support in the general election but I was very grateful for the backing locally for my campaign to continue to be the strong voice for our area.
However, since then we have seen worrying signs of a lack of confidence among businesses over investment and employment both in the run up to and after the Budget. It is concerning that GDP fell again in the latest figures and inflation went up again.
This week I again voted against the Jobs Tax which firms locally are telling me will mean fewer jobs for younger people and lower salaries. With higher business rates coming for many shops, pubs, and leisure businesses, many are not investing but simply just trying to survive. While some parts of the public sector may be compensated for the extra National Insurance costs, the businesses generating the nation’s wealth will have to pay. Prices are likely to rise as a result.
Even now I hope the government will listen to the people who take risks and take people on and change course on the economy.
On a local level, I was pleased that Labour eventually reversed its position after the election and took QEH out of the review of new hospitals and decided to back the last government’s decision to make QEH a priority scheme in the programme.
Disappointingly since making that announcement the government is yet to show the urgency the Health Secretary claimed he would. QEH’s plans are ready to get on with the enabling projects including the new multi-storey car park and this delay is unwelcome. So I will be meeting the health minister responsible for the new hospitals programme shortly to urge the government to get on with it and release funding so we can make progress.
In the last year, I typically received over 1,000 emails a month from constituents seeking help with government agencies, housing associations, the police, healthcare, pensions, or other topics. Many also contact me offering views on local and national issues including assisted dying legislation. I’ve met many constituents and visited schools, charities, local firms, and other groups which is an essential part of representing North West Norfolk.
Recently, working with my team of experienced caseworkers we have helped several families with Special Education Needs and Disability cases including helping secure a permanent placement after a year of not being in proper education. It is not always possible to get the resolution people may like but the assurance I offer is we will do all we can to help.
I’m looking forward to continuing to campaign on QEH, backing businesses, delivering the major Town Deals investments into Lynn, better infrastructure, supporting schools, protecting the environment, and much more in the year to come.
Finally, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
