Getting around easily is absolutely key to driving our economy and businesses which is why I am so passionate about upgrades to our roads and dualling of the A303. Good public transport also makes a huge difference to people from students getting to college to people going shopping, seeing friends, or going to work. I am campaigning for a bus route to join the Yeovil stations via the town centre to Lysander Road so that the many employers in that part of town as well as residents can be connected. This must surely be a route that would be financially sustainable, and I hope First and Somerset Council will agree. Taunton received the lion's share of the recent extra national bus funding and Yeovil needs its share.
Higher interest rates here and in many other countries are causing problems for mortgage borrowers on variable rates or looking for new fixed deals. Whilst the main drive is to get rates down by helping the Bank of England control inflation, the Government has agreed measures with lenders to encourage more mortgage flexibility such as being able to move to interest only payments or adjusting the term temporarily. If you are having difficulties do speak to your lender as there may be new ways in which they can offer support.
To help through this spike in prices the Government is making a one-off payment to people with disabilities and Department for Work and Pensions figures show over 90% of those eligible have received it, with all due to be completed by 4th July. Whilst higher prices and demand do need to be balanced, we do want to support the most vulnerable. If you may be eligible and have had any problems with payment do let me know and I will see if I can help.
Having heard from lots of local people on it I am pleased to see the Government is rolling out a programme of lung cancer screening to speed up diagnosis and lead to better outcomes. Until now it has been one of the most life-threatening cancers partly because it is often diagnosed at a late stage. The programme should make a real difference and save lives.
I had a good local meeting at the end of last week about the Renters’ Reform Bill. We do need to make sure renters are well treated but we need to be mindful there are many very decent landlords, some of whom may be pensioners for example who chose to invest in property rather than other things. We also need to encourage more property owners to become landlords as there is a real shortage of good quality housing available for rent, and this should not be overburdened with regulation and restrictions.
As always, if you would like to share your views about any of the above, if I can be of help with a local issue or if you would like to book an appointment for a meeting at one of my advice surgeries please do email me [email protected] or call my Yeovil office on 0193531321.
