Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley has welcomed the Government’s Plan for Change which consists of six clear milestones – covering housebuilding, the economy, the NHS, clean power, education and crime – to deliver measurable change by the end of this parliament. 

The plan sets out a blueprint for rebuilding Britain after 14 years of managed decline, and will focus on issues which impact local people every day. The Plan for Change will see NHS waiting lists – which have skyrocketed to 197,822 across South Yorkshire – tackled through 40,000 additional NHS operations, as well as investment in state-of-the-art hospital equipment.

Knife crime and robbery are rife across the country, but the neighbourhood police who could prevent crimes like this and support victims disappeared under the Tories, with the number of Police Community Support Officers cut by 229 in South Yorkshire. The government’s plans will see 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles and a named officer in every community

It will also focus on improving life chances for all children by raising the number of children starting school ready to learn. As it stands, the number of children meeting key early years development targets sits at around 66% in Yorkshire and the Humber. A figure that the government wants to see hit 75% by the end of the parliament.

Work on the Plan for Change is well underway, with this government is already delivering a number of landmark changes. These include:

•     A pay boost for 3 million workers through an increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefitting 15200 in Sheffield. 
•     Funding for 40,000 additional NHS operations, as well as investment in state-of-the-art scanners and diagnostic equipment to get more patients seen on time.
•     Bringing our total investment in housing supply to over £5bn, and delivering funding to transform neglected land into new homes.
• Putting police back on the beat with 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles and a named officer in every community through our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in England and Wales.
• Launching Great British Energy to provide clean, secure and homegrown power.
• Kickstarted the first stage of roll out of free Breakfast Clubs for primary school children, and delivered funding for up to 300 school-based nurseries.

Louise Haigh MP for Sheffield Heeley, said:

“The Plan for Change is exactly what our communities have been crying out for after over a decade of Tory neglect. These clear, measurable milestones are a roadmap to rebuild our public services, revive our economy, and restore faith in the future.

“I have heard from countless constituents about the challenges they face – from parents waiting months for critical healthcare for their children to elderly residents unable to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods due to a lack of visible policing.

“This plan tackles these issues head-on, with more police on our streets, new investments in healthcare, and real opportunities for our young people to thrive.

“This will deliver the change our communities deserve and address the issues that have been raised with me time and time again.”