September Update from Peter Bedford MP
I hope you have all enjoyed the start of autumn, if not the colder weather!
Following on from last month’s article, I wanted to update residents on what I have been up to throughout September as I continue to settle into my new role as your Member of Parliament.
I started back at Westminster the first week of September and during the week was fortunate enough to raise three questions in the Commons.
The first question was about Leicester City Council’s Local Plan, and its impact on Glenfield village. In particular, the impact that 400+ dwellings, several traveller pitches, and a waste processing centre would have on local residents. I am booked to speak at the Local Plan hearing in October, where I will ensure that local residents’ views are heard by the Planning Inspector!
I then challenged the Chancellor of the Exchequer on potential changes to pensions tax relief, which I firmly believe would result in higher levels of pensioner poverty.
Finally, I asked the Secretary of State for Business & Trade what steps the Government is taking to ensure that SMEs have the access to finance so that they can invest and grow.
I was appalled by the new Government’s decision to remove the Winter Fuel Payment (WFP), and I want to assure pensioners that I voted against this proposal in the Commons. I continue to work with charities and campaign groups, such as AGEUK, to pressure the Government to reverse this decision – which will hit our most vulnerable hard as we go into the winter months.
During the debate, I commented:
Does my hon. Friend agree that this choice sets a dangerous precedent? Free bus passes, prescription charges and, indeed, access to healthcare itself are all now at risk because of the logic being put forward by the Labour party in respect of pensioners’ ability to afford them.
As of yet, I have no firm commitment from the Chancellor that they will retain these vital items of support, but I will be campaigning hard to ensure that pressure is kept on the new Government.
I met with the NFU to discuss what more Government can do to support British Farming, and also the MND Association to see how I can support my constituents living with and affected by MND. Finally, I met with the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to discuss trade links and investment opportunities for our region.
Outside of Parliament, I’ve been on several constituency visits which included a visit to local teachers to discuss the impact the proposed VAT on private school fees will have on the children of my constituency as well as the opening of the new eye clinic, Optegra.
If you have any issues that my office can be of assistance with, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best wishes,
Peter Bedford MP
4 Cropston Road, Anstey, LE7 7BJ
Email:
Telephone: 0116 5077162