Clive Jones Budget response: I will hold the Government’s “feet to the fire” on NHS funding for Wokingham

Clive Jones MP said they will “hold the Government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS. They added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people the care they need. 

Clive Jones, the MP for Wokingham, said:
“I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our local health services so I’m glad the Chancellor has listened.

“The Liberal Democrats will now be holding the Government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made, so people here in Wokingham can finally see a GP or dentist when they need to.

“Sadly the new government has repeated the Conservatives’ mistake of neglecting social care. We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle the crisis so older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.

“I am also very concerned about the impact of the Government’s increase to Employer’s National Insurance, which is a tax on jobs that will hit our small businesses and high streets. The Government should instead be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more.

“While we welcome the extra NHS funding set out today, it’s disappointing not to see a new and clear plan set out on Royal Berkshire Hospital, whose buildings date from 1839 and are in urgent need of renewal. The Government cannot drag its heels on such a vital issue, local patients have been waiting far too long. People are fed up with years of broken promises from the Conservatives, what we need now is a government that delivers.

“It is also incredibly disappointing to see this new government push ahead with cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance which will badly impact some of the most vulnerable pensioners in our community.

“This is a bitter blow for the many pensioners in Wokingham who will now be left choosing between heating and eating this winter.

“I will continue to fight tooth and nail against these cuts that will harm people already struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“Far too many children in our community are waiting more than the twenty-week limit for an education, health and care plan.

“We need to see far greater urgency and more money from the Government when it comes to tackling this crisis, because children and parents cannot wait any longer.”