What Else is Labour Planning for Us?

Chiswick Gunnersbury councillor Ranjit Gill reports back

Cllr Ranjit Gill

September 14, 2024

It’s been a thought-provoking start to the week with headlines that seem almost unbelievable. Over in the U.S., we’ve got Donald Trump stirring controversy once again. But here in Chiswick, we’re facing our own issues with Keir Starmer’s government hitting our elderly and vulnerable right where it hurts.

You might remember the Labour slogan: “Change You Can Trust” — but did anyone really vote for losing their winter fuel allowance ? Labour hasn’t committed to protecting this vital support in the same way as before. And now, as the temperatures start to drop, this decision is leaving many local pensioners worried about how they will afford to heat their homes.

It’s not just a national issue—this affects many in Chiswick directly. Our older residents, who have lived and contributed to this area for decades, are facing unnecessary hardship. Is it right that someone like Rachel Reeves claims over £4,000 for fuel costs while ordinary Chiswick residents struggle? Shouldn't MPs face the same scrutiny and means testing they want to impose on us?

What’s even more worrying is that Labour may also be reviewing the Freedom Pass —something that many of our elderly residents rely on to stay active and connected. How many people in Chiswick will suffer if these benefits are stripped away? And let’s not forget their plans to remove the Council Tax discount for single persons—an additional blow to many of our local households.

To top it all off, while attacking the elderly and vulnerable, they seem to be prioritising the wrong people elsewhere. Just as they passed the vote on winter fuel cuts, Labour also chose to release prisoners early, with talk of giving them priority for housing. Can you imagine how that would go down on the streets of Hounslow ? Surely, this isn’t what was meant by “Change You Can Trust.”

This is why, as before, the Conservative Group is proposing a motion to the upcoming Borough Council meeting, that if passed, the council will formally and publicly support Age UK’s petition to save the Winter Fuel Allowance for some of the most vulnerable pensioners this winter. It also calls the council to begin a borough-wide information campaign to encourage and support those who qualify for pension credit but do not currently claim it to formally apply as soon as possible. Finally, to work with relevant local community groups to develop an action plan for the winter months to mitigate the policy’s impact on the most vulnerable pensioners in our borough.

As the Prime Minister has hinted, there’s more to come. Capital Gains Tax raids, Inheritance Tax hikes—and even road charges per mile as electric vehicles gain traction. While we all want a greener borough, we must make sure these policies don’t disproportionately affect our local community, where many rely on their cars to get to work or visit family.

It’s becoming clearer that Labour’s missteps could lead to an exodus of both wealth and talent from the UK. We’ve already seen the likes of Charlie Mullins —Britain’s richest plumber—packing up and leaving. It’s starting to feel like a repeat of the 1960s, when the country bled wealth until we had to be bailed out by the IMF.

Here in Hounslow, we need to stand firm. Our community deserves better than policies that strip away essential support for our most vulnerable residents.

So, what’s next? More taxes, fewer services, and an ever-increasing squeeze on those who’ve worked hard to build a life here in London .

You may not agree with everything I say, and that’s fine—healthy debate is part of our community. But let’s make sure we look out for each other, especially our elderly neighbours, as times get tougher.

Take care of yourselves, and let’s keep Chiswick thriving.

Cllr Ranjit Gill

ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk

07976 702956

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2024/25

Chiswick Area Forum is expected to be on Tuesday 24 September at 7.30pm
The Hogarth Hall, Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Turnham Green W4 4JN

The Next Borough Council Meeting is on Tuesday 17 September 2 at 7.30pm
Council Chamber. 6th Floor, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road TW3 3EB

The Next Scrutiny Panel is expected to be on Thursday 19 September at 7.00pm Room 610. 6 th Floor, Hounslow House 7 Bath Road TW3 3EB

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLOR SURGERIES

Chiswick: Every Saturday from 9.30am to 10.30am at Chiswick Library (the eight Conservative councillors take this surgery in turn).

Gunnersbury: First Saturday of the month from 10am to 11am at The Gunnersbury Triangle Club, Triangle Way, off The Ridgeway, W3 8LU (at least one of the Chiswick Gunnersbury ward councillors takes this surgery). 

CONSERVATIVE COUNCILLORS and CONTACTS

Chiswick Gunnersbury (was Turnham Green) ward

Cllr Joanna Biddolph joanna.biddolph@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 703446

Cllr Ranjit Gill ranjit.gill@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702956

Cllr Ron Mushiso ron.mushiso@hounslow.gov.uk 07976 702887

Chiswick Homefields ward

Cllr Jack Emsley jack.emsley@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 396017

Cllr Gerald McGregor gerald.mcgregor@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784821

Cllr John Todd john.todd@hounslow.gov.uk 07866 784651

Chiswick Riverside ward

Cllr Gabriella Giles gabriella.giles@hounslow.gov.uk 07966 270823

Cllr Peter Thompson peter.thompson@hounslow.gov.uk 07977 395810  

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