OPINION: Amanda Martin MP: "There is so much more to do, but real progress is being made"
Happy New Year! As we turn the page on 2025, I want to reflect on what Labour has delivered in Portsmouth and share what's coming in the months ahead.
It's been eighteen months since Labour came into government. The challenges we inherited were enormous, there is so much more to do, but real progress is being made.
Our NHS is beginning to turn a corner. Waiting lists have come down month-on-month for five consecutive months. Through the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund, 22 GP surgeries across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have received funding to improve facilities and see more patients.
Portsmouth is receiving direct investment that make a huge improvement to daily life. We're getting £1.5 million of Pride in Place funding, with Paulsgrove and Landport set to receive £20 million each over ten years for community regeneration. We're receiving £13.1 million in Local Transport Grants for zero emission buses and safer cycling infrastructure.
For young people, the Youth Guarantee means guaranteed paid work placements for those who need support. Here in the South East, we're opening 12 new Youth Hubs providing services on mental health, housing support, and skills development.
We've scrapped the two-child benefit cap in Universal Credit, benefiting 2,460 local children in Portsmouth North. We've expanded free breakfast clubs, including funding for Court Lane Junior Academy, and extended free school meals to children in households on Universal Credit. No child should start their school day hungry.
We're making our tax system fairer, introducing a High Value Council Tax Surcharge on homes worth over £2 million. The average Band D family home pays more in Council Tax than a £10 million property in Westminster, which simply isn't right.
As 2026 begins, we will finally turn a corner on the cost of living. Rail fares are frozen from January. More police will be on our streets by March. Energy bills will come down in April. Many families are now enjoying the 30 hours of funded childcare from nine months old.
I share your frustrations about the pace of change, but in Portsmouth we've always been resilient. I’m focused on bringing down the cost of living, rebuilding our NHS, and creating opportunities for our young people.
My office is always open if you need support or want to share an idea or concern. Here's to a year of real progress.