My 5 Pledges
for our new Hitchin constituency
A doctor and dentist when you need it
Far too many people are struggling to see a doctor or dentist when they need one.
Locally, I will:
• Continue to bring together local stake holders to invest in new GP surgeries.
• Push the local NHS and councils to maximise funding for healthcare infrastructure from developers.
• Ensure local practices are held to account for delivering a good service to patients.
Nationally, Labour will:
• Create 40,000 NHS appointments a week.
• Incentivise dentists to take on NHS patients in areas of under provision like ours.
• Train the doctors, dentists and nurses we need.
Making our area the best place to grow up
Our area should be a fantastic place to grow up, but things simply aren’t always working for young people and families in our towns and villages right now.
Locally, I will:
• Push Central Bedfordshire to commit to a three to two tier school transition they can finally deliver.
• Help support and expand local youth groups and provision.
• Hold Central Bedfordshire Council and Herts councils accountable for improving SEND provision locally.
Nationally, Labour will:
• Expand childcare provision with 100,000 extra nursery places.
• Recruit 6,500 more specialist teachers.
• Introduce new youth hubs, and completely reform SEND provision.
Proper Infrastructure for new homes
The current planning system is failing our towns and villages. New developments are being built, but without the infrastructure to match. Residents on new estates are paying hundreds for management companies that don’t maintain roads.
Locally, I will:
• Push councils to makes sure new planning decisions are matched with the doctors, dentists, roads, public transport and schools we need.
• Bring together stakeholders to break down silos stalling investment.
• Continue my bold action on estate road adoption and rogue management companies, to fix our potholed roads.
Nationally, Labour will:
• Reform planning to deliver the affordable homes we need, with a focus on beautiful new towns rather than poorly managed village sprawl.
• Ensure all new developments have proper infrastructure at their heart.
• End the leasehold and fleecehold scandals.
Defending our natural environment
For too long we haven’t stuck up for our climate and the fantastic nature and countryside that makes our country so special. To do that, we need to take bold action to fight the climate crisis.
Locally, I will:
• Continue to support and champion local conservation efforts.
• Campaign to expand the Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty.
• Support local farmers to ensure they can access the support they need.
Nationally, Labour will:
• Take bold action on our climate commitments, setting up GB Energy and delivering clean power by 2030.
• Ban bonuses for water company bosses and introduce criminal sanctions for water companies who continue to pollute our rivers.
• Improve access to nature and protect our fantastic countryside.
Safe, successful small businesses and high streets
I want to breathe new life into our high streets. With new powers for local communities, we can revamp empty shops, pubs and community spaces.
Locally, I will:
• Champion our fantastic local businesses.
• Work cross-party with local councils to turn vacant units on our high streets into community assets.
• Hold workshops with local police, bringing them together with communities to take action on local issues.
Nationally, Labour will:
• Cut business rates to support our high streets and local businesses.
• Create 13,000 additional Neighbourhood police officers to make sure everyone feels safe in our own community.
• Invigorate our high streets with Banking Hubs and give local people powers to take over vacant units.