The Liberal Democrats have set out new proposals to fix Worcestershire’s roads. The party has set out a national £300 million plan that will see investment to fix potholes over the next Parliament, which could equate to around 1.2 million potholes being filled each year. Data reveals that in the 12 months between 2021/22 there were 2,975 potholes across Worcestershire. The Liberal Democrats would redirect some of the money in the existing budget for new roads to local councils to ensure road maintenance and improvements are properly funded. Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Worcester, Mel Allcott, said: “The Conservatives have driven us to a desperate place – roads are crumbling and motorists are suffering as a result. “It isn’t fair on families across Worcestershire to be paying the price for this shambolic Conservative Government, who have completely failed to maintain our roads. “The Conservatives have overseen cuts to our transport network, maintenance works delays and the decline in the state of our roads across the board. For all of their lip service to motorists, it’s clear the Conservatives do not care about drivers in Worcester. “Only the Liberal Democrats have a real plan to fix the state of our roads by giving the money to local councils, who know their roads and are best placed to fix them.”
Worcester Liberal Democrats Welcome Community Engagement on Battenhall Park Pump Track
Cllr Jessie Jagger, Worcester City Council Group Leader for the Liberal Democrats has welcomed the recent invitation for residents to attend a free drop-in session regarding the installation of a new pump track at Battenhall Park. The session, set for Thursday, 27 June, from 6pm to 8pm at St Peter’s Baptist Church on Eden Close, aims to provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the exciting project and address any questions or concerns. ‘The new pump track will be a fantastic facility for children and adults alike, offering a safe space for practising cycling skills and socialising,” said Cllr Jagger. “I am confident that this inclusive provision will be a valuable addition to Battenhall Park.’ Designed to accommodate all ages and skill levels, the pump track will support a variety of activities, including biking, scootering, skateboarding, rollerblading, and adaptive cycling or wheelchair use. The primary goal is to help develop cycling skills and boost riders’ confidence in a safe and welcoming environment. Cllr Jagger expressed her satisfaction with the council officers’ engagement with the community. ‘I am pleased to see that our officers are taking the time to listen to and address residents’ concerns, especially after the amendment I proposed several months ago. It is crucial to ensure that the plans for this facility move forward smoothly and that we find mutually acceptable solutions to any issues raised.” Community Advocate John Renshaw highlighted the strong community support for the pump track. “There is tremendous support for this facility among residents in St Peter’s. The Liberal Democrats are proud to be pushing for this project, which will be an asset to the young people in the area—a group that was identified as lacking in provision.” The project received approval from the council’s Place & Economic Development Committee in January, and has since undergone comprehensive preparation, including botanical and geophysical surveys, as well as flood risk and noise assessments. “I encourage all residents to attend the drop-in session on 27 June to learn more about this wonderful project and to share their thoughts,” added Cllr Jagger.
Herefordshire and Worcester sees 57.89% rise in the number of NHS dentists leaving as Lib Dems announce £750 million ‘rescue package’
The number of NHS dentists leaving in Herefordshire and Worcester has risen by 57.89% since 2018/19, House of Commons Library research, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats has revealed as the party has announced plans for a £750 million ‘rescue package’ for dentistry. The Liberal Democrat plan would mean around a quarter increase in funding on the NHS dentistry budget in England, which would help reform the NHS contract to encourage more dentists to take on NHS work. This would act as a ‘rescue package’ for dentistry in Herefordshire and Worcester as 30 NHS dentists left in 2022/23. That is a rise of 11 on the number of leavers compared with 2018/19, or an increase of 57.89% The situation threatens to get worse with 14% of NHS dentists in Herefordshire and Worcester nearing retirement age creating the potential for even fewer dentists to cope with already overstretched services. Across England, the number of dentists leaving the NHS has risen by a third in the past four years. A further 3,532 dentists are nearing retirement age, over one in seven (14.6%) of the total dentists in the country. The Liberal Democrats are calling for urgent reforms to the dental contract to deliver more NHS dentist appointments and free check-ups for children. The party’s plan, backed by funding of £750m a year by the end of the Parliament, would guarantee access to an NHS dentist for everyone needing urgent and emergency care by: Bringing dentists back to the NHS from the private sector by fixing the broken NHS dental contract and using flexible commissioning to meet patient needs. Introducing an emergency scheme to guarantee access to free NHS dental check-ups for those already eligible: children, new mothers, those who are pregnant and those on low incomes. Liberal Democrat Candidate for Worcester, Mel Allcott said: “People across Worcester are going without what should be the very basics dental care. with it now being seemingly impossible to get an appointment. “It cannot be acceptable that people across our area are forced to wait unnecessarily in pain, not knowing if they will even be able to register with a dentist let alone get an appointment. “The Conservative party has pushed local health services and dentistry to their knees and it is people in our community paying the price. “The Liberal Democrats have an ambitious plan to fix the dental contract and tackle the crisis in dental care. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to get rid of this appalling Conservative government and fix the NHS and care.”
Lib Dems announce £10m plan to recruit new Sewage Inspectors after sewage dumped 248 times in 2023 in Worcester
The Liberal Democrats have announced plans to increase the number of water inspections after sewage was dumped 248 times in 2023 in waterways in Worcester. The party has pledged £10 million per year to deliver new water quality inspectors, as part of an ambition to recruit at least one hundred new ‘sewage-busters’. The new water quality inspectors would work for the party’s new water regulator, the Clean Water Authority, giving it the capacity to deliver unannounced inspections, ensuring water firms cannot cover up pollution. Under the party’s plans, the water regulator Ofwat would be replaced with a new Clean Water Authority which would take on relevant powers to inspect and clean up waterways in England from the Environment Agency. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Mel Allcott said: “It is a scandal that the Conservative party has allowed water firms to mark their own homework and waterways across Worcester have suffered as a result. “A new wave of sewage busters will ensure no water company gets away with polluting our treasured rivers, lakes and coastlines. “Liberal Democrats will hire new sewage-busting inspectors to clamp down on sewage dumping and put a stop to this dreadful scandal.”
Car thieves “getting away with it” as 3,286 cases go unsolved in West Mercia since last election
Worcesters Liberal Democrats have accused the Conservatives of letting their communities down as a new analysis of Home Office statistics reveals that 3,286 car thefts have gone unsolved in West Mercia since the last election. The data shows just 5% of car thefts in the West Mercia police force resulted in a suspect being charged or summonsed. National figures paint a similarly bleak picture, with 76% of car thefts going unsolved since the last election. The number of unsolved car thefts has also soared in this period, with a 42% rise from 76,333 in 2020 to 108,934 last year. Worcesters Liberal Democrats have slammed the Conservative Party for these stark figures, arguing that years of ineffective resourcing have decimated frontline policing. This includes their decision to take over 4,500 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) off the streets since 2015. The Liberal Democrats are calling for Police and Crime Commissioners to be abolished and the savings invested into frontline policing instead – a move that could generate around £170 million over the course of the next Parliament. This will help enable a return to proper community policing – where officers are visible, trusted, and have the time to focus on preventing and solving neighbourhood crimes – so that criminals can no longer act with impunity. Commenting on the figures, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Worcester, Parliamentary Candidate Mel Allcott said: “Criminals are getting away with almost every car theft in Worcester – which is an outrageous failure from the Conservative Government.” “These thieves have brought misery to our communities, and must be caught- but the local police are too overstretched to actually do it. By slashing community officer numbers, the Conservatives are only benefiting the criminals.” “We need a return to proper community policing, with visible officers who are preventing and tackling crime.”
Lib Dems set out legal right to timely cancer care as figures show 1,565 patients in Worcestershire waiting more than two months to start treatment
The Liberal Democrats have called for a new legal right for cancer patients to start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral, as part of a plan to boost survival rates and improve treatment for those affected by the disease. The latest NHS figures show that, in the last year, over 100,000 cancer patients in England were left waiting more than 62 days to start treatment after an urgent referral. This includes 1,565 cancer patients in Worcestershire. This means only 42% of patients in the area were treated within two months, below the government target of 85%. Launching the Liberal Democrat election manifesto this week, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has set out proposals to invest an extra £8.4 billion a year in the NHS and social care. The Liberal Democrat plan to boost cancer survival rates includes increasing the number of radiotherapy machines across the country, cutting the time for groundbreaking new medicines to reach patients, a new cancer research law, and improved support for cancer patients and their families. The policy builds on existing proposals from the party on health, including introducing a right to see a GP within a week and expanding NHS dentistry so people aren’t forced to pay for private dental treatment. Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Worcester, Parliamentary candidate Mel Allcott said: “Everyone knows someone whose life has been turned upside down by cancer. “Far too many people are waiting far too long for a diagnosis, or to start treatment after being diagnosed. We must do right by them and get them the care they need when they need it. “The Liberal Democrats would give cancer patients a new, legal right to treatment within two months of an urgent referral, to make sure they get the timely care they deserve. This forms part of our ambitious plan to end unacceptable cancer delays and boost survival rates.”
Jessie Jagger endorses Mel for Worcester MP!
Exciting News! 🌟 Jessie Jagger, our dedicated Liberal Democrat City Group Leader, is proud to endorse Mel for Parliament! 🎉 Mel has worked tirelessly to represent our residents and fight for what matters most to us. Jessie knows that Mel will ensure a fair deal on the environment, a fair deal for the NHS, and a fair deal for the people of Worcester. Let’s support Mel and make a positive change for our community! 💪🌿🏥 Published by Stuart Wild on behalf of Worcester Liberal Democrats, C/O LibDem 1 VincentSquare, London,SW1P 2PN #VoteMel #LiberalDemocrats #Worcester #FairDealForAll
Lib Dems announce plans for free school meals for 10,172 more primary school children in Worcestershire
The Liberal Democrats have launched their ambition to extend free school meals to all primary school children, funded by a new share buyback tax. The government currently only provides meals for all children in reception, year 1 and year 2. In year 3 and above, the government has set stringent conditions on family income for children receiving free school meals. Currently in Worcestershire, just 5,978 or 19.5% of primary school children in year 3 and above receive free school meals. In government, the Liberal Democrats would ensure 100% of primary school children receive free school meals. The party’s plan also includes an immediate extension of free school meals to all 900,000 children living in poverty who currently miss out across both primary and secondary school. This is estimated to be 110,000 in the West Midlands, who would all be covered under the Liberal Democrats’ plan. Analysis by PWC found that every £1 spent on free school meals for the poorest children generates £1.38 in health and earnings benefits, including improvements to children’s health, education and future working life opportunities. The new policy will make the Liberal Democrats the most ambitious party on free school meals.The manifesto pledge would be funded by a 4% levy on the share buybacks of FTSE 100 listed corporations, similar to the excise tax on buybacks implemented by President Biden in the US, which could raise around £1.4bn a year. Share buybacks occur when companies use profits to inflate their own share price, a practice which critics have warned can come at the expense of productive investment in the economy. The sectors using share buybacks the most are oil and gas giants, banks and large corporations that own a number of food and consumer goods brands. This suggests the practice is being driven by companies profiting from soaring prices during the cost of living crisis. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Worcester, Mel Allcott said: “Across Worcester, there are too many children expected to learn on empty stomachs with no guarantee of a hot meal when they get home. “Conservative MPs should hang their heads in shame at a legacy of children going hungry in the worst cost of living crisis in a generation. “It is time for change. Every vote for the Liberal Democrats in Worcester is a vote for a local champion who will fight for the wellbeing of children and their futures. “I am proud the Liberal Democrats have the most ambitious plan for free school meals of any party, which would save parents money and transform the future for millions of children.”
Number of starting apprenticeships in Worcester has fallen by 33.33%
The number of people starting apprenticeships in Worcester has fallen by 33.33% since 2015/16, House of Commons Library research analysed by the Liberal Democrats has revealed. It comes as the Conservative have announced a new policy to boost the number of apprenticeships despite a decline of 172,000 apprenticeship starts per year in England, a fall of over a third. The Liberal Democrats committed to increase pay for apprenticeships to at least the minimum wage and for the apprenticeship levy to be scrapped. This was introduced by the Conservative government in April 2017. Under current rules, firms with an annual wage bill of above £3m must set aside 0.5% of their payroll to apprenticeships. However, many organisations are unable to use the funds, where levy money is then reclaimed by the Treasury if remaining unused for two years. The resultant collapse in people starting apprenticeship is widening the skills shortages, and making it harder to encourage young people into the workforce. Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Worcester, Parliamentary Candidate Mel Allcott said: “Young people across the country are being let down by a Conservative party that has failed to give them the opportunities they deserve and give businesses the flexibility they desperately need. “The declining number of people starting apprenticeships in Worcester shows just how badly broken this Conservative government has left our apprenticeship system. “Urgent reform is needed. That’s why the Liberal Democrats committed to increasing the apprenticeship wage to stop treating apprentices as second class workers and to reform the apprenticeship levy to boost numbers and stop the decline we have seen under this Conservative government.”
Liberal Democrats call for protected status for rivers in Worcester after sewage dumped 248 times in 2023
The Liberal Democrats have called for a new protected status for local rivers and marine protected areas, after shocking figures reveal that Severn Trent dumped sewage 248 times in Worcester in 2023. Analysis of official data from the Environment Agency by the party shows that Severn Trent discharged sewage in Worcester’s waterways for a staggering 2,171 hours in 2023. In an effort to tackle sewage dumping, the Liberal Democrats have announced a massive expansion of marine protected areas and a new Blue Flag status for rivers will be included in the party’s general election manifesto. The introduction of Blue Flag status would set legally binding targets to prevent sewage dumping in those sites, giving special protected status for swimmers and wildlife. Worcester’s Liberal Democrats have led the way in campaigning against sewage dumping in the area. Nationally the party recently announced plans to abolish Ofwat, introducing a new regulator with greater powers, which follows its plans for a ban on water company executive bonuses. Mel Allcott, Liberal Democrat candidate for Worcester, said: “Worcester’s precious rivers have been destroyed after years of a Conservative government letting water firms get away with environmental vandalism. “It is time we got tough on polluting and profiteering water firms, yet Conservative MPs have stood by whilst swimmers have become ill and wildlife killed by sewage discharges. “This scandal has to end now. The Conservative party has failed to protect swimmers and wildlife. “The Liberal Democrats will have the boldest manifesto on cleaning up our rivers and coastlines. Families should be free to swim safely in the knowledge that our waters are not polluted with sewage.”
