This week, the Prime Minister set out a new direction for our country, one that puts more control back in the hands of people and places like ours. After speaking with so many local people across South Dorset, I know just how much this is needed.
The message I hear again and again is the same: energy bills are too high, and too many families feel stretched beyond their means. The Prime Minister was right to say we cannot carry on like this.
Many of us have watched a parent or grandparent struggle to get the right support, and families are paying eyewatering sums to do it. In South Dorset, this problem rings true. That’s why I’m pleased the Prime Minister has promised a National Care Service, built
on the same principles as the NHS, providing free personal care for older people.
On energy, I know how much people are struggling with their bills, and I have been pushing Ministers to help our pubs and hospitality businesses with their costs. VAT has now come off electricity bills, and we’ve now set an ambition to bring our energy costs in line with the rest of Europe within ten years.
Feet to the fire
Then there is water. Too many times, Wessex Water has let down local people across South Dorset, and I have continually pushed them to do the right thing. That’s why I welcome the announcement that the ban on government ownership of water companies will be scrapped.
We will also have the ability to hold water companies to account, and there will be a review into the loopholes in the ban on executive bonuses. It is simply wrong that water bosses can be rewarded while performance and pollution get worse. Crucially, this gives us the tools to hold Wessex Water’s feet to the fire. Our beaches and coastline are central to our economy and our way of life, and our water system should work for local people.
Finally, buses. Growing up in Weymouth, I know how much people need reliable buses, and fighting for better services has been one of my top priorities since day one. After speaking with many locals in isolated parts of the area, I took up the case directly with First Bus. The Number 3 now serves Southill properly again, with new stops at the John Gregory pub and Sycamore Road – and more frequent services. I also pushed for repairs to the bus stops at the King’s Statue, which have now been upgraded.
So the Prime Minister’s cap on bus fares at £2 next year is another string to our bow: better routes, more frequent services and cheaper fares.
Lloyd Hatton MP for South Dorset
