REDUCE THE COST OF LIVING
For years, people in Folkestone and Hythe have been forced to bear the brunt of a cost-of-living crisis borne out of Tory “trickle-down” economics. Whether through low wages, insecure work, high prices or high taxes, you had to pay for the Conservatives’ economic illiteracy.
Building a New Economy
- The Government is shifting to an economy built but by businesses of all sizes, not just by the mega-corporates
- Priority areas include:
- Creating well-skilled, well-paid jobs.
- Increasing exports and productivity.
- Investing in infrastructure, particularly transport and housing.
Employment Rights Bill: Transforming Worker Protections
- I supported the Employment Rights Bill in its first and second readings. The Bill is the most significant upgrade to employment rights in decades.
- Key reforms include:
- Banning exploitative zero-hour contracts.
- Prohibiting “fire and rehire” practices.
- Enhancing workplace flexibility and security.
- Benefits for workers: Greater in-work security and improved rights.
- Benefits for businesses: Reduced staff turnover and increased productivity.
Autumn Budget Highlights
- £100 billion allocated for transport, housing, and energy projects, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
- Emphasis on investment
- Specific measures include:
- £1.6 billion to fix 1 million potholes, reducing car repair costs.
- A freeze on fuel duty to lower costs for motorists.
Taxation and Wage Improvements
- Election pledge not to increase national insurance, VAT, or income tax kept.
- National Living Wage increased by 6.7% to £12.21 per hour, providing a £1,400 annual pay rise for low-paid workers in the constituency.
The Government’s approach aims to restore economic stability, improve living standards, and ensure fairness for workers and businesses alike.
