Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington has welcomed the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, which was set out in a landmark speech by the Prime Minister earlier this month.

The Plan for Change consists of six clear milestones – covering housebuilding, the economy, the NHS, clean power, education and crime – to deliver measurable change by the end of this parliament. The plan is underpinned by foundations of sound public finances and secure borders.

The plan sets out a blueprint for rebuilding Britain after 14 years of managed decline, and will focus on issues which impact local people every day. For example, the Plan for Change will see NHS waiting lists – which have skyrocketed to 451,381 across Greater Manchester – tackled through 40,000 additional NHS operations, as well as investment in state-of-the-art hospital equipment.

Knife crime and robbery are rife across the country, but the neighbourhood police who could prevent crimes like this and support victims disappeared under the Tories, with the number of Police Community Support Officers cut by 488 in Greater Manchester. Labour’s plans will see 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles and a named officer in every community.

It will also focus on improving life chances for all children by raising the number of children starting school ready to learn. As it stands, the number of children meeting key early years development targets sits at around 64.4% in the North West. A figure that Labour wants to see hit 75% by the end of the parliament.

Work on the Plan for Change is well underway, with this Labour government already delivering a number of landmark changes. These include:

• A pay boost for 3 million workers through an increase in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, benefitting 17,200 in Manchester.
• Funding for 40,000 additional NHS operations, as well as investment in state-of-the-art scanners and diagnostic equipment to get more patients seen on time.
• Bringing our total investment in housing supply to over £5bn, and delivering funding to transform neglected land into new homes.
• Launching Great British Energy to provide clean, secure and homegrown power.
• Kickstarted the first stage of roll out of free Breakfast Clubs for primary school children, and delivered funding for up to 300 school-based nurseries.
• Putting police back on the beat with 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and special constables in neighbourhood roles and a named officer in every community through our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee in England and Wales.

Commenting Jeff Smith MP said:

“The Plan for Change is exactly what our country needs to tackle the challenges we face head-on. From cutting NHS waiting lists to putting police back on the beat and giving every child the best start in life, this Labour government is delivering real, measurable change that will improve lives here in Manchester Withington and across the country. After years of Conservative neglect, we are building a better future for everyone.”