Cllr Satvir Kaur
Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton TestAs part of Chamber’s ‘On the Campaign Trail Series’, we heard from Labour Councillor for Southampton, Satvir Kaur, who details how Labour’s high tide of economic growth will benefit communities struggling to stay afloat.
Today, Southampton is the busiest cruise port in Europe and is where over £71 billion worth of UK trade travels through every year. Famous for our unique double high tide, sadly Southampton’s potential, opportunity, and ambition are being held back by the low tide of economic stagnation inflicted by this Conservative Government, which has left local people struggling to stay afloat.
I’m from one of those communities that has felt the full force of this economic failure. People tell me every week about how they’re struggling with the cost of living – from increased rents and mortgages and rising energy bills to an ever more expensive weekly shop. With one in three children living below the poverty line in Southampton, Rishi’s recession is forcing families to decide between heating and eating. We have had 14 years of lost growth and an unprecedented squeeze on living standards. A recent report by the Centre for Cities estimated that households in Southampton are over £7,000 worse off since 2010, compared to our previous growth trend.
Labour’s commitment to economic renewal could be transformative for the people I speak to on the doorsteps. From offering the certainty and stability the business community are crying out for to a new deal for working people – Labour will make our economy fit for purpose, so everyone can benefit.
Two tangible examples in Southampton would include investing in and making industries sustainable for the future and building the homes Southampton needs.
Investing In and Making Industries Sustainable for the Future
Southampton’s international port is integral to our city and the country’s economic prosperity. However, national restrictions, our inadequate energy infrastructure, and the skills shortage mean it risks no longer being a competitor in this global market, limiting the cruise industry and enormously impacting trade.
Labour’s commitment to renewable-ready ports and the wider investment in our energy infrastructure will ensure that Southampton remains a modern and dynamic port able to receive goods and passengers from all over the world. As well as bringing major benefits for UK plc, it would also create high-skilled high-wage jobs in our local economy, help tackle poor air quality in our city, and consolidate Southampton’s position as a leader in green maritime.
Building the Homes Southampton Needs
For too many in Southampton, they do not have the housing security they deserve. Whether through rising rents, mortgages, or household bills, people are struggling to live, with young people and families having given up on any hope of a home of their own one day.
While no party can promise to solve the housing crisis overnight, Labour will ban ‘no-fault evictions’, which is the largest contributor to homelessness in Southampton, and give people the security and ability to put down roots. Labour’s plan to get Britain building again – with 1.5 million new homes – by reforming the planning system, will make a tangible difference to thousands of people in Southampton as we increase the supply of new private and affordable homes. First-time buyers will also have a chance to own through our government-backed mortgage guarantee scheme. All this will not only create the homes for the future but will help stabilise housing costs and provide a further economic boost with new skilled jobs in construction.
This is just one of the articles that features in our ‘On the Campaign Trail’ series in the recent edition of the Chamber Journal. To gain access to the journal, and read the other articles, please click below to subscribe.
