'Means testing Winter Fuel Allowance necessary' - MP column

SUMMER recess is now over and MPs are back in Parliament. I had a busy first week back from going to No 11 Downing Street to asking the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero about the importance of solar farming, following the welcome announcement of funding for Hessay Solar Farm. In government, tough decisions have to be made, and I won't shy away from this. During the election campaign, Labour made it clear that we would put the country first and stabilising the economy. The Tories left us with a £22 billion black hole in the public finances. Taking the decision to means test the Winter Fuel Allowance has not been an easy one but a necessary one.

This government has committed to the triple lock meaning pensions will increase by £900 this year alone, bring in GB energy to cut bills and upgrade homes across the nation with insulation and low-carbon heating.

I've also attended events with the union GMB to talk about their equal pay campaign for ASDA retail workers. Currently retail workers are paid up to £3.74 less than depot workers, which GMB are trying to change, and I fully support their campaign. The Local Government Association hosted an event for MPs to talk about how we can support them, especially with York being one of the lowest funded councils across the country.

I am really pleased that during recess I moved into my office down in Parliament.We have already had thousands of emails in and have already assisted many constituents in issues that they have been experiencing.

Over recess, I continued to visit all corners of York Outer. I learnt a great deal about carrots on a visit to the family-run Hobson Farm, in Crockey Hill and they are critical to our food supply. I am proud to support our farming community in York and would be thrilled to visit other farms across York Outer. I visited Lord Deramore’s in Heslington where they have a fantastic SEND offer, and the children quizzed me on what it’s like being an MP and what the Prime Minister is like!

I have been working with Cllr Kate Ravilious on ensuring that Fulford Ings is better prepared for the winter ahead. I am glad that the pipes have been relined and that work is being completed on this, having spoken to Fulford residents I know this is welcome news.

Working with local representatives is incredibly important to me, which is why I met with David Skaith our Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, to talk about our priorities and how we can put our fantastic region on the national stage. I hosted another Chat with Charters, this time at Dobbies Garden Centre in Poppleton, which I really enjoyed as I got to speak to lots of residents and hear your views.

I spent some time helping at York Foodbank’s distribution centre with the wonderful volunteering team, who give up their time to feed hundreds of residents week in week out.

I met with York Medical group to talk about the crisis facing the NHS and the importance of primary care, which was an issue that came up on the doorstep repeatedly during the campaign. It was lovely to attend Poppleton Village show and I particularly enjoyed the dog show. I was also pleased to welcome Rufforth Primary School to Parliament, and I encourage all schools to come and visit!

I’ve also been out door knocking again as I want to hear residents views and I promised to be visible, not just at election time. Unfortunately, my Persian cat Pomelo hasn't been too well and needed lifesaving surgery but the Minster Vet Practice cared for him lovingly and hopefully he is now on the road to recovery.

I know many residents were concerned about the 11-16-year-old bus pass. I am pleased to say that after my meeting with FirstBus, they have confirmed that they will be reviewing their decision. This is a great first step. I also asked the Minister responsible for Local Transport to meet with me to discuss this situation and I am grateful that he has agreed to this.

Luke Charters at York Foodbank's distribution centre

I asked a question at Prime Minister's Questions. It was a great moment having watched PMQs for many years. My question to the Prime Minister was about the need to reform the planning system so that we can build the homes a tackle the housing crisis. and how the previous government had failed on this issue. It won't surprise you that this was greeted by a long groan from the opposition benches!

I hosted my first advice surgery at Dunnington Reading Rooms where residents came to me with various issues ranging from health and safety in the workplace to support for the ME community. My team are now working hard to see how we can help on these issues and make a difference, which is why I got involved in politics. If you would like a slot at one of my surgeries, please contact my team on luke.charters.mp@parliament.uk and they will find a slot that is convenient for you.

I’ve enjoyed getting back into the swing of things and I am excited to see how this government delivers for the country, and York Outer, in the coming months.