By Isle of Wight Observer
Last week I voted to try and stop the government ending the winter fuel payment for 10 million pensioners, including 18,000 who live in the East Wight. I spoke during the debate in the House of Commons and pointed out that no special provision had been made for those living with long-term conditions like dementia. Through no fault of their own, some pensioners will spend more time at home this winter than working-age people, and will need to stay warm throughout the day with higher heating costs.
Sadly, we were unsuccessful in trying to stop the cut in the winter fuel payment.
At the end of last week, I was interviewed on BBC Radio Solent and I took the opportunity to speak about ferries. The government wants to make improvements to the national transport network, and has announced big plans for rail and buses. The UK is a collection of islands, and a comprehensive transport plan for the whole nation cannot be complete without ferries included. Government needs to understand this and legislate.
At the same time as pressing the government, I am also engaging with the ferry companies direct. I met with the new chief executive of Wightlink to make the case for improvements. It was the first meeting of many, and I hope that regular contact will present a genuine opportunity to secure some voluntary improvements by the ferry companies while the work with government continues.
Tourism is such a big part of the Island’s economy, so I joined the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hospitality and Tourism in order to work with cross-party MPs to lobby for more support for the sector. Part of our work plan is to look at high taxation and the role of transport – including ferries.
Finally, I met with senior decision-makers at the Environment Agency in Ventnor, together with IW Council representatives, to make the case for substantial funding for defences against land movements and sea erosion. I have also been in Shanklin talking to residents affected by flooding, and I am working with the council to ensure essential work is carried out before the winter.