Dear Resident,

I’ve been a resident of Englefield Green for a number of years.

Full statement

I love this village and the people who make it. There is much to celebrate about our area, the beautiful open spaces, excellent pubs and other strong, local businesses. However, I believe there is room for improvement, to make our area truly great.

The cost of living crisis has hit all of us, hard. Prices have gone up, energy bills are through the roof, and many are struggling to put food on the table. Despite the Chancellor’s fanfare, for every £6 he is taking off you, you’re only getting £1 back. I believe you deserve a better deal. Labour would cut your household energy bills by £600, funded by a one-off windfall tax on oil and gas producers. We would tax fairly, spend wisely, and grow our economy. An economy that works for us here in Englefield Green, not just those in Westminster.

The Conservatives on Runnymede Borough Council need a shake-up. They have been allowed to cut services whilst pocketing pay rises. We have lost our yellow bus service, a lifeline for so many families in the village and the Conservatives are continuing to cut our local fire service. I want to reinstate and protect these essential services. Runnymede Council needs to be delivering affordable homes for young people and local families. I want to push for 250 new council homes in the borough over the next 5 years. Local people are being priced out of the area and pushed out by unaffordable homes and HMOs. Only Labour Councillors will push for a fair housing strategy.

As a young woman, I know from personal experience that walking through certain parts of the village after dark can feel unsafe and threatening. We need improved street lighting and CCTV to ensure everyone in our community feel safe. The Conservatives have cut police to the lowest level in a generation, I want to lobby for safer streets and better measures to prevent anti-social behaviour.

Unlike many politicians, I will not take your vote for granted. I will be transparent, accountable and present in the community.

Labour is on your side.

Abby King