As I write this column, the England football team has been successful in beating Wales and securing their place at the top of the group which takes them comfortably into the next round of the World Cup. This was a match of mixed allegiances for me, being of English and Welsh heritage. I’m almost grateful that I wasn’t able to watch it due to official engagements on Tuesday night. However, Wales should be proud of their achievements and I can now support England guilt-free as they progress to their next match against Senegal. There has, quite rightly, been a lot of discussion about the suitability of Qatar as a host nation and it certainly feels an odd time of year to hold a World Cup.
A number of public and private sector employees are voting for strike action for better pay and conditions when these negotiations have failed to reach resolution. I have the highest regard for the Trade Union movement and their need to represent their workforce, both my parents were trade union representatives. Many of our public sector workers worked incredibly hard during Covid and had to step up to the frontline. Each sector has its own independent pay review body and it is important that pay settlements are fair but also affordable. In my position as Rail Minister, I consider my role in the rail strikes, which are about pay and introducing modern working practices, is to help bring matters to a conclusion by encouraging discussion between the unions, Network Rail and rail companies to find common ground on which they can agree to secure the future of the rail industry. I am not the negotiator; that’s a role for the employers and trade unions. The rail sector has struggled to resume its passenger numbers since Covid and needs to modernise working practices to reflect this. This modernisation will help to pay for the pay increases. Whilst the rail strikes continue, they cause immense disruption to local residents and businesses. They also cause long-term damage to customer confidence and their willingness to return to the country’s most sustainable form of travel.
As Christmas fast approaches, I hope that constituents will decide to avoid potential travel disruption and traffic queues by shopping local. Our local towns and villages, have some fantastic independent traders. They are experiencing tough times but still greet you warmly, provide excellent customer service and make Christmas shopping a truly pleasant experience. When you are ready for a rest, there are a wide variety of cafes, restaurants and pubs to rest your weary feet and enjoy good food and drink in cosy surroundings. There are also a number of free Christmas events, shopping nights and Christmas tree festivals taking place on local high streets and at local churches. It’s always good to see people coming together at this time of year to enjoy everything their local communities have to offer.
Communities are also coming together to provide free ‘warm places’ this winter for local residents. These are being opened in church and community halls across the area and are simply a warm place during the day to spend some time. You can be assured of a welcome. Your parish or town council will be able to advise you where these are being set up. I know the cost of living is a real worry for many. The Chancellor’s autumn statement confirmed that pensions and benefits will be raised with inflation and there are extra payments to help the most vulnerable. This comes on top of existing government support with energy bills for residents and businesses. However, not everyone is currently claiming the benefits they are entitled to, it is estimated that in 2021-22 in the Rother District alone, around 1.713 pensioner households have not claimed the pension credit they are entitled to which amounts to £2.6m unclaimed support. If you or your family or friends are struggling, please do check if you, or they, are entitled to extra help from the government by visiting the GOV.UK website or calling 0800 99 1234. If anyone needs help in accessing benefits, please do contact my hard-working constituency office team who are always ready and happy to help.
