Letter to David Smith MP - 28th December 2024

This is a letter I sent to my MP, David Smith (Labour) which remains unanswered almost 2 months later. Is it any wonder we lose faith in our politicians?

David Smith MP. House of Commons. LONDON SW1A 0AA

28th December 2024

Dear Mr Smith

I am writing to you as one of your constituents to express my deep concern about the current direction of the country under the Labour Government. I have outlined several key issues below that highlight the challenges many of us are facing and why there is such widespread dissatisfaction:

1. Removal of the Winter Fuel Payment: This essential support has been taken away from millions of pensioners without any prior warning of this before the General Election. This decision feels like nothing more than a spiteful robbery of the elderly, leaving many vulnerable to the rising cost of energy.

2. Rising Cost of Bus Travel: At a time when reducing car travel should be a priority, the increase in bus fares is incomprehensible. For workers relying on buses for their commute, this measure clearly amounts to a “tax on working people”, potentially adding an extra £40 a month (£480 annually) to their expenses.

3. Cancelling the A1 Road Upgrade: This much-needed project was also quietly abandoned, despite being vital for infrastructure improvement. Again, there was no mention of this before the General Election.

4. Higher Council Tax Increases: We are now facing higher Council Tax bills at a time when household budgets are already severely stretched.

5. Increasing Public Debt: Despite promises of fiscal responsibility, additional borrowing has driven public debt to new heights, with the country now paying even more in interest. This is making us all poorer.

6. Mortgage and Savings Interest Rates: Mortgage interest rates continue to rise, placing an enormous burden on homeowners, while savers are now seeing their returns fall. Could it be any worse?

7. Rising Inflation and Economic Stagnation: Inflation continues to rise, eroding the value of wages and pensions. Economic growth has stalled and, in fact, reversed, with the country teetering on the edge of recession. This is a clear failure of economic policy and the opposite of what was promised.

8. Illegal Migration: Illegal migration remains an unresolved issue. Despite the government’s promises to “smash the gangs”, there has been no meaningful progress. A clear, practical plan is still absent.

9. Employer National Insurance Contributions: The increase in employer National Insurance contributions has placed significant additional costs on businesses, which are now being passed on to consumers. Prices continue to rise as a result.

10. House Building Targets: The government’s housing targets are wholly unrealistic. Housebuilders have made it clear that they lack the manpower to deliver on these promises, which are nothing more than a “pie in the sky” wishlist.

11. WASPI Women: In direct contradiction of pre-election statements, the government has completely abandoned the WASPI women, who continue to be treated disgracefully.

12. Missed Taxation Opportunities: Opportunities to raise taxes on harmful products like sugar, alcohol, and tobacco were ignored, as was the opportunity to increase taxes on the very wealthy. Instead, the burden falls disproportionately on businesses who obviously pass these costs on to ordinary working people.

In summary, things are getting far worse under the present Labour Government. Many in society feel betrayed by the lack of action and broken promises.

As an average couple, my wife and I have seen no positive changes in our lives since Labour came to power. The government may point to pension increases, but these are negated by the withdrawal of other support and rising inflation, leaving us worse off.

This is the third time I have written to you regarding my concerns, and I am deeply disappointed that I have not received any reply to my previous letters. I hope this time my concerns will be addressed, as your constituents deserve to be heard.

I urge you to raise these concerns with Government Ministers and in “The House” and to advocate for meaningful change that addresses the struggles of ordinary people. We need policies that provide real support, foster economic growth, and deliver on the promises made to the electorate.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,