Last week’s Budget poses many challenges that will impact families, farmers, local businesses, and schools across our community. Many of the measures were both unnecessary and deeply unfair and I’ll be working hard to challenge them in Parliament to ensure that Sevenoaks’ voice is heard.
One of the most troubling aspects was Labour’s proposed tax on family farms by reducing inheritance tax relief. I have reached out to several local farmers since the announcement, and it is clear that for farming families who’ve worked the land for generations, this could mean the heartbreaking need to sell up, pushing them out of an industry that has long been the backbone of our rural areas. At a time when we need to produce more food at home and support our British farmers, this tax goes against everything we should be striving for. If you would like to join me in opposing the change, please do sign the petition at: stopthefarmtax.com.
I have also been in touch with a number of our small businesses. From hairdressers and cafes to pubs and local shops, all are facing the consequences of Labour’s plan to increase employer National Insurance contributions. For many, this increase will make hiring new staff impossible, and some may even have to consider scaling back operations just to stay afloat or lower future wage increases. This shows a real disconnect between policymakers and the realities of running a small business in today’s economy.
Sevenoaks deserves a Budget that supports its residents rather than burdens them, and I will continue to stand up everyone in our community so that Labour understands the true cost of these policies on communities like ours.
In more positive news, I am delighted to this week have been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Education. I want to work constructively in opposition in the best interests of children and young people. I had quite the first day on Monday, with Education Oral Questions and a Statement from Labour on their decision to hike tuition fees from the first time in a number of years. Needless to say, the latter wasn’t in their manifesto.
I have also this week launched a smartphone survey to explore the impact of screen time on our children. As many of us know, the use of smartphones in schools and iPads for homework, can often be distracting for both students and teachers and I have growing concerns about the effects of social media on young people.
The survey is open from now, until December 20th, so please do get involved. I will use the results of the survey to engage with headteachers and raise awareness about smartphones and children in our community. For more information and to share your views, please visit my website at: https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/have-your-say.
