Rob Wilson's Westminster Diary, July 21, 2011
Rob Wilson MP • Published 21 Jul 2011 09:00
0 Comments
ONE OF the joys of being an MP is exerting influence to get the best possible outcomes for your constituents. That's why last week in Westminster I brought together an influential group, including senior officials at the Department of Transport, Network Rail, BAA, First Great Western, and even the Secretary of State for part of the meeting.
We discussed how we go about achieving a western link into Heathrow, something which was seemingly abandoned when the Airtrack project was dropped back in April.
I believe it's a vital project for Reading so that we continue, long into the future, to be pivotal for international investment and also an economic gateway to prosperity in the west of England and Wales.
Heathrow, even without a third runway, will remain the dominant UK airport for many years, and a direct connection will open a wealth of new opportunities for Reading.
With Reading Station being transformed, this strategic transport investment will propel the town forward economically in a way we could only have dreamed of a few years ago. I hope we can build a strong cross-party consensus across the regions to ensure a western link becomes a reality.
There was more good news this week when Eric Pickles announced in the Commons that Reading Borough Council can keep more of the money local business generates in rates. The changes mean good local councils will be pro-business and focus on supporting companies, big or small, to grow. The more growth, the more business rates and the more there will be to spend on essential services.
However, because in Reading our finances have been very badly managed over a long period of Labour rule, I am very concerned about the size of the council's debt, which drains money that could go on frontline services to pay interest charges.
I think there is a strong case for a proportion of extra income from business rates being spent on reducing debt and interest charges. This is something the local authority should think about long and hard. But, with Labour in charge and supported by the equally high-spending Greens, I see the debt burden rising not falling - ensuring generations to come will be saddled with unnecessary debts.
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.
