Political column: Imran Ahmad Khan MP - Communities need protecting

It is a great testament to this government that despite all the challenges, pain, and damage wrought by COVID-19, key objectives to make our streets safer, protect our communities and provide the support needed from threats have not been forgotten.

Last week, in Parliament, I debated the local government finance reports for the 2021/22 financial year. I am pleased that local government will receive an increase of £2.3 billion in spending power for the next financial year. This settlement will ensure that key services in Wakefield can continue to operate despite all the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to planned funding, a massive further £3 billion has been allocated by the Conservative government in the November spending review. These funds will alleviate local council service pressures, provide support for deficiencies in council tax, aid those who are homeless, and rejuvenate local towns.

This increase in spending power should not mean a rise in council taxes. I urge Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to first examine its own financial situation, and make rectifications to reduce unnecessary overspending and waste, before committing to any tax rises.

West Yorkshire Police has also seen an increase in its annual budget, which has risen by £27.3 million compared to last year’s. In the first year of a major recruitment drive, West Yorkshire Police have also increased their numbers by 308 officers. This new budget marks yet another promise kept by this Conservative government, and ensures our local police force will be able to do more to keep our communities safe.

As home to the West Yorkshire Police Force, I hope Wakefield becomes a shining example in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. I am incredibly grateful to all our police officers, who, throughout the pandemic, continue to put themselves at risk on the frontline to safeguard all of us.

I wish to raise the recent flooding that has affected Wakefield. Storm Christoph damaged homes, businesses, and livelihoods across the constituency, especially for those at Reid Park Avenue in Horbury Bridge and on Broad Cut in Calder Grove.

Unfortunately, I have uncovered a serious lack of communication between Wakefield Council and Yorkshire Water. Foul water, which the council has taken steps to stop from entering properties, has come, at least in part, from the Yorkshire Water sewer system, a result of its inability to cope with higher than usual volumes of rain and river water.

I met with the leader of the council, Denise Jeffrey, and wrote with her a letter requesting an urgent meeting with Yorkshire Water, so we can find an enduring solution to our drainage system, and flood abatement measures to protect homes and businesses better. I have posted a copy of it on my social media and website.

Rest assured, that as we continue to tackle the pandemic, I will continue to do all I can to ensure that Wakefield will not only recover, but prosper.