Witham MP Priti Patel has called on the Chancellor of the Exchequer to fund key infrastructure projects and public services in the forthcoming Spending Review due in four weeks’ time on 11 June. In her letter to the Chancellor, Priti criticised the Government for failing to commit to key infrastructure schemes since they were elected in July last year, including the A12 widening scheme, the A120 dualling scheme and the redevelopment of Witham railway station. Priti has demanded that the Chancellor funds them through the Spending Review, as well as step-free access at Marks Tey railway station, the funds to repair RAAC affected schools and investment in primary care services including a Witham healthcare centre. Priti said:
“Since Labour came to power last year, they have thrown key infrastructure projects in to doubt with their refusal to commit to them. The long-awaited improvements to the A12 have been delayed, affecting road safety and economic growth, and Labour’s failure to commit to the A120 dualling scheme and Witham railway station redevelopment will leave communities in Witham worse off.”
“With Labour demanding significant new levels of housing growth in this part of Essex we need new investment in frontline public services including our schools and primary care but once again Labour are failing to recognise this.”
“I have worked closely with the last Conservative Government, our local councils and communities throughout the Witham constituency to progress these projects and it would be disgraceful if Labour neglects the needs of this part of Essex in the Spending Review next month.”