Politically speaking: Mark Eastwood MP - Positive news on planning and vaccinations

We debated a petition calling for the BBC licence fee to be revoked.

I believe that in a modern age, where we choose from a multitude of media channels, this fee should be phased out. Let’s give people a choice!

Since my last column, the chancellor delivered his widely welcomed budget, which paves the way towards a brighter future whilst being honest about our finances.

It gives local businesses and families the support and reassurance they need to get through the continuing pandemic, with furlough extended and the self-employment scheme extended and widened.

Having presented my opposition to the proposed development on Granny Lane in Mirfield, I was pleased to see that common sense finally prevailed when the planning committee rejected plans to build a 67-unit housing estate in an area highly susceptible to flooding.

I would like to pay tribute to the Granny Lane Area Action Group, Save Mirfield and councillors Martyn Bolt Kath Taylor and Vivien Lees-Hamilton for all their hard work fighting for residents’ wishes.

Everyone I speak to has positive things to say about the vaccine roll-out.

It is excellent news that over 21 million people have now received their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine.

Last week, in parliament, I paid tribute to the North Kirklees and Greater Huddersfield CCGs teams, who are doing a marvellous job.

It was also great to visit the Dewsbury Health Centre vaccination facility and witness the significant progress with the vaccine roll-out there.

As part of the roadmap back to normality, it was pleasing to see local kids returning to their schools and colleges this week.

Care home residents can now receive regular indoor visits from a named loved one, bringing a source of joy and relief to many people.

I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce our local Conservative candidates for Kirklees Council Elections on May 6. These elections matter – they will decide how vital services in our area are run, and notably how much you will pay for them.

In Mirfield, hardworking Coun Martyn Bolt is our candidate, while Keith Mallinson is fighting for every vote in Dewsbury East after just narrowly missing out at the last election.

Busy local campaigner Basharat Rafiq is standing as candidate in Dewsbury West. Meanwhile, in Dewsbury South, well-known former councillor Imtiaz Ameen aims to win the seat and return to the council.

I am very excited to be working very closely with all the team, who are fully committed to delivering on local priorities.

It is also the very first West Yorkshire Mayoral election on the same day, May 6. Our candidate Matthew Robinson has real vision and plans for the whole region.

I look forward to working with him to drive investment to help support local jobs.

Finally, as always, the team and I are here to help.

Please feel free to contact me via email: [email protected] or telephone 01924 939 007.