Local Liberal Democrat Councillor for [AREA], [NAME] has said that more needs to be done to fix the crisis in social care funding.
They have also said that the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, including through extra GP and NHS dentist appointments.
Cllr [NAME] said the Lib Dems 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.
Responding to the Budget, Liberal Democrat Councillor for [AREA] [NAME] said:
Options for your quote based on relevant local issues. We suggest you choose health and the most relevant other local issue.
Overall message on health:
“The Liberal Democrats will now be holding the government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made, so people here in [AREA] 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 this 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. And this could cause problems for care homes and other local care services. 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.”
“Sadly the new government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care. We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis so older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL LINES
On local hospital - if part of 40 new hospitals programme:
“While we welcome the extra NHS funding set out today, it’s disappointing not to see a new and clear plan set out today on [INSERT SPECIFIC HOSPITAL IF APPLICABLE].
“The government cannot drag its heels on such a vital issue, local patients have been left 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.”
On family farm tax (i.e. Agricultural Property Relief changes):
“After years of the conservatives taking rural communities for granted, it is deeply disappointing to see more of the same from this new government.
“I am very worried about the impact of the changes in the Budget on rural areas like ours, including the family farm tax which risks becoming a disaster for local farmers and small businesses.
“Liberal Democrats will be scrutinising these changes in Parliament and fighting tooth and nail to make sure that no family farm receives a hammer blow through these changes.
“At the last election, Liberal Democrats backed British farmers by demanding an extra £1 billion to support them, and we’ll keep being a strong voice for our rural communities.”
On the Winter Fuel Allowance:
“It is 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 [AREA] 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.”
On rise in bus fare cap to £3:
“Hiking bus fares to £3 is an unfair bus tax on people in [AREA].
“I know many people in communities like ours rely on buses to travel to work and go about their everyday lives. This is simply the wrong choice. If the government was serious about investing in the economy and tackling the cost of living crisis they would think again.”
On SEND
“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 from the government when it comes to tackling this crisis, because children and parents cannot wait any longer.”
ENDS