James Wild MP was invited on BBC Politics East as a panel guest, alongside Lib Dem Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper MP, and Alistair Strathern MP, to debate issues ranging from affordable housing to the Government’s record so far.
During the discussion, James addressed the pressing issue of affordable housing, highlighting that demand in North West Norfolk has doubled due to factors such as relationship breakdowns, domestic abuse, and shifts in the private rented sector.
He highlighted a current lack of commitment by the Government, and therefore discontinuation to essential funding initiatives, such as the Homelessness Prevention Grant and the Local Authority Housing Fund. He also warned that recent changes to Stamp Duty in the Autumn Budget could worsen the existing trend of landlords leaving the Private Rented Sector.
From questions on political caricatures to life changing moments, and after half an hour on air, James was questioned by host, Amelia Reynolds, on how he wants the Government to be held to account – to which he answered:
“It’s pretty obvious after the last 5 months the Government hasn’t had a plan, and in their plan, they’ve just announced they’ve downgraded the growth target; this was supposed to be the growth government. They haven’t mentioned the £300 cut in energy bills they promised everyone at the election they’d deliver, and they’ve broken promises to farmers, pensioners and to businesses.
So, if anyone believes that any of these are going to be delivered, well good luck. I mean we saw from Ipswich, there’s a healthy dose of scepticism about this. People want to see action, not words. You mentioned infrastructure projects, well Norwich Western Link, that’s being blocked by Natural England let’s get that out of the way. Let’s get the Hospital Programme – the new hospital in King’s Lynn going. Let’s get Ely junction. Let’s get the Westwinch housing access road going.”
