When it comes to investment, Worcester has always been left fighting for scraps, but our hopes for more funding have been shattered. Not only has the Labour Government not offered us anything extra they could be taking away money we thought we had in the bank! Under the Conservatives, we were given crumbs – barely enough to scratch the surface of what our community needs to thrive. Now, the Central Labour government is making us beg even for those crumbs. The £5 million we were promised for local cultural projects is under threat, and Worcester is once again left in limbo while the government shifts priorities to their traditional northern base. The government recently announced a review of Levelling Up funding for the Midlands, citing “difficult choices” and “core priorities” in an effort to obscure what’s really going on: this is not an issue of limited money, it’s a political decision about which communities they believe they can afford to disappoint. And, unfortunately, Worcester and other Midlands towns are at the top of that list. What’s Happening? In the Spring Budget 2024, Worcester was promised £5 million in Levelling Up funding based on real need, not as part of a bidding process. But now, the government is “consulting” on whether to follow through, leaving Worcester on shaky ground while they secure projects they deem “significant” in the north. Let’s be clear—this isn’t about whether funding is available. The government has chosen to secure funding for its traditional Labour base in the north, while making communities in the Midlands, like ours, reapply and wonder if our needs are considered “significant” enough. For Worcester, the message is loud and clear: they’re willing to leave us in limbo. The nice-sounding words from the government cannot obscure that fact. The Liberal Democrat Position: Fighting for Worcester’s Future We are urging the central government to ensure Worcester gets the funding it was promised. We’re launching a public campaign to make it known that Worcester deserves fair treatment, not second thoughts. Our focus is on the central government’s decisions—not on our city council Labour colleagues who have been put in an impossible position. However, as an opposition party, it’s our role to speak out and hold the government accountable. We’re connecting with other Lib Dem groups across the Midlands, and if this campaign gains momentum, it could mean up to £45 million in funding pressure for the government across the region. Securing our £5 million for Worcester now is the most cost-effective choice they could make. What You Can Do The government needs to hear directly from us, the people of Worcester. We’re asking everyone who feels let down by this funding decision to make your voices heard loud and clear. Worcester is no stranger to flooding each winter—now it’s time to flood the inboxes of Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, and our own MP, Tom Collins our MP and Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Let them know that Worcester isn’t willing to be overlooked. Our message is simple: we don’t accept that Worcester’s projects are insignificant. We’re tired of being handed the crumbs and tired of seeing other regions receive guaranteed support while we’re left to wonder. We want certainty for our community, not political spin. Together, we can send a message that Worcester won’t sit back and accept anything less than the fair share we were promised. Let’s hold this government accountable and make sure they know that Worcester deserves to thrive. Here are some template e-mails and tweets you can use but please feel free to adapt them and make them personal. The more personal the more likely they are to be effective. Template e-mails: Tom Collins MP for Worcester tom.collins.mp@parliament.uk @tomcollinsworcs Subject: Fight for our 5 Million in Levelling Up Funding Hi Tom, As a resident of Worcester, I’m reaching out to urge you to do everything you can to secure the £5 million in Levelling Up funding that was promised to our community. This funding wasn’t just a hopeful bid—it was assigned to us based on real local need, and it’s critical to the future of our city. It’s disappointing to see Worcester left in limbo while other areas are guaranteed support. Worcester deserves certainty, not to be treated as an afterthought. I hope you’ll make sure our needs are heard loud and clear in central government. Please, push for Worcester to get the fair support we were promised. Thanks for standing up for our city, Your Name Your address Rache Reeves Chancellor of the Exchequer rachel.reeves.mp@parliament.uk @RachelReevesMP Subject: Worcester Deserves Certainty – Secure Our £5 Million in Levelling Up Funding Dear Ms. Reeves I’m writing to you as a concerned resident of Worcester regarding the £5 million Levelling Up funding that our community was promised. This funding would make a real difference in Worcester, but now we’re hearing it’s under review. It’s worrying to see areas like ours in the Midlands being left uncertain, while other regions receive guaranteed support. Worcester has been overlooked too often. It’s crucial that this government recognises our community’s needs and doesn’t make us reapply for funding that was already promised. Worcester deserves a fair chance to thrive, and I hope you’ll ensure we’re given the certainty we need to move forward. Thank you, Your Name Your address Angela Rayner Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. angela.rayner.mp@parliament.uk @AngelaRayner Subject: Standing Up for Worcester’s Fair Share of Levelling Up Funding Dear Angela, I hope you’re well. I’m reaching out as a resident of Worcester with deep concerns about the £5 million in Levelling Up funding our community was promised. This support is crucial to our city, and losing it now would be a huge setback for the many projects that are counting on it. It feels like an indignity to have to
KARENS BLOG: Karen Leads Cross-Party Effort to Tackle Winter Fuel Payments Cuts
As we head into winter, I am deeply concerned about how the government’s recent decision to restrict eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments will affect many of Worcester’s pensioners. Previously, all pensioners could rely on this vital support, but starting this year, only those receiving Pension Credit or specific benefits will be eligible. This change will leave thousands of pensioners in our city without the help they desperately need to stay warm during the colder months. A Drastic Cut in Support The numbers are alarming. Across England and Wales, the number of pensioners eligible for Winter Fuel Payments will fall from 11.4 million to just 1.5 million. Here in Worcester, 15,476 pensioners will no longer receive their Winter Fuel Payment, which means 89.4% of the pensioners in our city will be cut off from this crucial support. What troubles me most is that many of these pensioners are those who have worked hard and saved all their lives, but do not qualify for Pension Credit. The threshold for Pension Credit eligibility is set far too low—£218.15 a week for individuals, and £332.95 for couples—nowhere near enough to live comfortably given the current cost of living. Fuel Poverty on the Horizon This change couldn’t come at a worse time. Energy prices are set to rise by 10% in October, and with Winter Fuel Payments being taken away, many pensioners in Worcester are facing the grim reality of fuel poverty. Cold homes are more than just uncomfortable—they can worsen health conditions, increase the risk of illness, and put even more pressure on our already strained NHS. Raising Awareness of Pension Credit Another issue that can’t be ignored is the low take-up of Pension Credit. Nationally, only 63% of those eligible actually claim it. That leaves over 880,000 pensioners without essential support they’re entitled to, many of whom are in Worcester. We need to ensure that pensioners know about this benefit and how to apply for it. Council Takes Cross-Party Action In response to this crisis, I’m proud to have led a cross-party effort in Worcester City Council. Together, we passed a motion unanimously, committing to an urgent awareness campaign to ensure that every eligible pensioner in Worcester knows how to claim Pension Credit. This campaign will include notices on council boards, social media posts, articles in the local press, and targeted letters to those who may be eligible. We’ll also be monitoring the impact of this campaign through the Communities Committee to make sure it reaches the people who need it most. But raising awareness isn’t enough. For those who don’t qualify for Pension Credit yet still face fuel poverty, we’re exploring other ways to provide support. We will be working closely with local organisations and charities to connect pensioners with the help they need, so they aren’t left struggling through the winter. A United Front for Worcester’s Pensioners I proposed this motion because I believe it is vital that we stand up for Worcester’s pensioners. The government’s decision to remove Winter Fuel Payments from so many pensioners is deeply concerning. It’s a short-sighted move that will have a devastating impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our community. I’m grateful that my colleagues across the political spectrum agreed on the need to act, and we will continue to do everything in our power to help those affected by this change. As winter approaches, I urge all pensioners and their families to check their eligibility for Pension Credit. We are here to help ensure no one is left behind, and together, we can make sure our pensioners stay warm and safe this winter.
Cllr Sarah Murray Leads Cross-Party Effort to Secure Justice for WASPI Women
I’m pleased to announce that our motion calling for justice for women born in the 1950s, affected by changes to the state pension age, has passed with strong cross-party support. This is an important step forward for the thousands of women in Worcester and beyond, who have been waiting far too long for their voices to be heard and for the injustice they’ve experienced to be addressed. The motion, provided by the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) campaign, called on the government to act on therecommendations of the Parliamentary Ombudsman, which urged the government to issue an apology and deliver compensation to the women affected by the lack of proper notice about the pension age changes. These women, who had planned their retirements based on the understanding that they would retire at 60, found themselves blindsided by the changes, leading to significant financial hardship. It’s worth noting that this is not a problem caused by any single government, but rather a culmination of decisions across successive governments where issues affecting women have often fallen through the cracks. This is a cross-party problem, and it requires cross-party solutions. The fact that our motion, which mirrors a similar Labour motion passed by Portsmouth City Council in December 2022, received support across the political spectrum is evidence of the collective desire to address this long-standing injustice. That said, the vote wasn’t unanimous. Councillor Alan Amos chose to abstain, but I’m encouraged that the overwhelming majority of councillors recognised the importance of standing up for these women. As local representatives, it is our duty to advocate for our residents and make sure that the government delivers justice to the thousands of women who have been left in such a vulnerable position. Councillor Sarah Murray captured the sentiment perfectly when she said: *”This is an issue that transcends party politics. It’s not about who is to blame, but about how we can now come together to ensure these women receive the compensation and recognition they so clearly deserve. I’m proud that our council has taken this important step in supporting them.”* As Liberal Democrats, we have always stood for fairness and equality, and this issue is no different. We will continue to work alongside other parties and the WASPI campaign to ensure that the government acts quickly to provide these women with the compensation they deserve. I’d like to extend my thanks to everyone who supported this motion and acknowledge the cross-party collaboration that has allowed us to get to this point. This is a significant step forward, but it’s by no means the end of the road. We must continue to push for action to ensure justice for the WASPI women, and I’m confident that, with continued cross-party support, we will achieve that goal.Thank you to all involved, and let’s keep up the fight until these women receive the fairness they’ve been waiting for.
I am pregnant and the law may prevent me from continuing in my role
As a councillor for Worcester City Council and now six months pregnant, I’ve encountered a challenge that many other councillors, caregivers, and those with health issues face: the outdated law requiring in-person attendance at council meetings to participate and vote. The Local Government Act 1972, which governs council meetings, predates the technology that could easily make remote participation possible. During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid meetings were allowed, and councillors could continue their duties from home. These meetings not only worked efficiently but also made local government more inclusive and accessible. Unfortunately, after the temporary regulations expired, councils in England reverted to the old system, while Wales already allows councils the flexibility to decide when remote participation is appropriate. In response, I will be bringing a motion to Worcester City Council calling for remote participation in council meetings to be allowed permanently and this will be debated next Tuesday 17th of September at 7:00 PM. So far, my motion has received cross-party support, and I am especially grateful to Cllr Katie Collier of the Green Party, who will second the motion, and to various members from the Labour Party and Green Parties who have also expressed that they will be supportive. This collaboration is essential to creating change, and I thank the Worcester City Council officers who have worked diligently with us on this initiative. While I submitted a motion to the Liberal Democrat Federal Conference, it was not selected—not because it lacked merit, but because it had such broad support that it wouldn’t spark enough debate! This highlights the overwhelming agreement on the issue but also shows why we need grassroots and media support to keep pushing forward. Why We Need Grassroots Support We need the support of activists and local communities to keep this campaign going strong. Parliament is too busy and without pressure this issue will just fall through the cracks. MPs across the country need to hear from their constituents about why remote participation is essential for modern, inclusive local governance. This isn’t just about pregnancy—it’s about ensuring that anyone with caregiving responsibilities, health issues, or disabilities can continue to serve their communities. The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils, has warned that the recruitment and retention of councillors, especially those balancing career or care commitments, will be hindered if councils are not given the power to hold statutory meetings in a hybrid manner. The LGA’s recent research shows: 1 in 10 councils surveyed had a councillor step down since May 2021 due to the requirement for in-person attendance at meetings. 84% of councils reported that councillors with work commitments would benefit from hybrid meetings, and 64% said the same for those with childcare responsibilities. Almost 9 in 10 councils said councillors would use virtual attendance as a reasonable adjustment. No council surveyed wanted fully virtual meetings, but most supported hybrid options. The LGA survey highlights how necessary flexibility in meetings is for attracting and retaining councillors, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and for encouraging public engagement in local democracy. Councils are calling on the government to remove these outdated barriers and legislate for the flexibility to use virtual meeting technologies. A Positive Response from the Government so far I would also like to extend my thanks to Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, who raised this issue with the government. Minister McMahon’s response was encouraging: “The government wants to ensure that local government is modern, efficient, flexible, and diverse, and we are keen to break down barriers that prevent people from seeking to serve their communities. Allowing hybrid meetings could be a helpful step in doing that, and we are keen to work with the sector to have an evidence-based discussion about its merits.” This is a positive step, but we need to keep up the pressure to ensure that these discussions lead to real legislative change. Your support and activism will make all the difference in bringing about a more inclusive future for local government. How You Can Help You can support this campaign by reaching out to your MP and asking them to raise this issue in Parliament. Here’s how you can help: Watch my speech at Worcester City Council: I will be speaking on this issue at Worcester City Council on Tuesday, 17th of September at Worcester Guildhall at 7:00 pm, and you can watch the live stream to learn more about the motion and its importance and share it. Reach out to your MP: You can use the draft email below to contact your local MP, asking them to raise this issue in Parliament. You can find their contact information here You can use the following template to e-mail your local MP Draft Email to MPs Subject: Support for Remote Participation in Local Council Meetings Dear [MP’s Name], I am writing to ask for your support in raising an important issue in Parliament regarding local government inclusivity and modernisation. Currently, under the Local Government Act 1972, councillors are required to attend meetings in person to participate and vote. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote and hybrid meetings proved to be both effective and inclusive, allowing councillors with caregiving responsibilities, health concerns, or disabilities to continue serving their communities. Councillor Jessie Jagger, a local councillor in Worcester who is currently six months pregnant, has been leading a campaign to allow remote participation in council meetings. Her motion has gained cross-party support, with Cllr Katie Collier of the Green Party seconding the motion. This demonstrates the broad consensus on the importance of this issue. You can read more about her campaign and the importance of this issue here: Additionally, the Local Government Association’s research highlights the success of remote meetings during the pandemic and the ongoing benefits that remote participation can provide to local government. You can find more on this here: LGA Research Link Wales has already adopted laws allowing remote participation, and it is time for England to follow suit. You can find more information
