Last week I responded to a debate on coastal communities as Opposition Spokesperson. This is a topic I’m deeply passionate about, and I am committed to standing up for the local communities along the Solent, as well as other coastal areas across the country.
Whilst our coastal communities are rich in history, industry and natural beauty, they do face some significant challenges; including economic inequality, housing pressures and environmental concerns.
This Government continues to burden our coastal communities, with no national strategy on how to provide support.
Average annual pay in coastal towns is £4,700 lower than the rest of Great Britain, and their national growth rates are much lower. Now our coastal communities are also facing tax increases, declining support for high streets and rising employment costs.
We’re also witnessing alarming increases in housing targets, putting even more pressure on already struggling coastal areas.
I urge the Government to take decisive action to protect the future of our coastal communities.
