I’ve been looking forward to today’s Compass and Progress debate in Brighton Pavilion constituency for ages. We had an excellent line-up of speakers including Neal Lawson from Compass, former minister Chris Leslie and the Right Hon Margaret Hodge MP speaking for Progress. I gave the introduction and then settled back to hear everyone’s views whilst leading Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee chaired the event. It was refreshing to have the time and space for debate and there were a huge range of interesting and thoughtful contributions. I have summarised a handful of views below, but if you were there and have better notes, please feel free to add to this list or add your thoughts!
On tax - many people wanted the rich to be taxed more whilst one person expressed concern that this would drive the rich to live abroad. Reform of Council Tax was a popular idea and something I have long supported to make life fairer for those on low, fixed incomes.
On older people - Sheila Schaffer from the Pensioners Association wanted less means-testing and more action on rising fuel costs but said that free bus travel had changed people’s lives.
On the NHS – stop the marketisation of the NHS, concerns about health visitors moving into the private sector. I have long campaigned for public services to stay in the public sector and I would like to see an end to creeping privatisation.
On fuel poverty – every 1% rise in the cost of energy sees another 40,000 people plunge into fuel poverty. I would like to see a windfall tax on energy companies, better social tariffs and an end to the disproportionately high cost of pre-pay meters for those who can least afford it.
On housing – stop repossessions by shifting ownership to the State so people can remain in their homes. I believe Housing Minister Caroline Flint is currently working on something similar. A greater amount of affordable housing is needed in Brighton Pavilion constituency. I would like to see greater control of the buy-to-let market and a push on finding Landlords of empty homes and getting them back into use.
There was no time for lunch as it was straight off home to finish icing the cakes for the summer Patch Festival. Luckily it stopped raining and by the time I reached the Labour Party stall, it had turned out to be a fine afternoon. Our stall with home-made cakes, pot plants and second-hand books proved very popular and busy all afternoon. I resisted Tracey’s chocolate cake and went off to meet some other stallholders hoping there would be some left when I got back but it was not to be. I’ll have to find an excuse for her to make another one.
Live music at the event was provided by Studioscape, a singing and performance club run by professional musicians and youth workers at Woodingdean Youth Centre. The singers were very confident and a real pleasure to hear. Find out more at www.studioscape.co.uk
After packing up, a group of us went down to our local pub, the Sir Charles Napier for a well-earned drink and then into town for a meal. A very enjoyable day! Find out more more info about the Napier here.
Posted on July 19, 2008 in Campaigns.
