Navendu’s Column in the Stockport Express- August 2021

Congratulations to all of our Olympians! It was fantastic to see the North West leading the way by winning more medals than any other region. Stockport’s very own Josh Bugajski secured a rowing bronze medal, with Stockport Harriers’ Jess Piasecki, as well as fellow Stopfordians Aimee Pratt and Amy-Eloise Markovc, all doing us proud.

Greater Manchester’s coronavirus infection rate has unfortunately increased for the first time since early July, with Stockport now having the fourth highest number of Covid cases across the region, based on data up to the 11th August. Despite what our Government says, please continue to wear a mask where possible, as it is scientifically proven to help slow the rate of infection.

I wrote an article on my website recently about the Government’s shameful decision to remove the £20 Universal Credit uplift at the end of September. With ongoing financial insecurity for thousands of my constituents, and the threat of a return later this year to Covid restrictions, now is not the time to cut crucial aid.

Until the Government has carried out impact assessments, and until our economy is on an even keel again and this Government is able to address long term issues such as in-work poverty, I will be urging the Government to think again about its decision to remove the £20 uplift.

The Government has also unfortunately decided not to expand sick pay during the Covid crisis, despite the growing number of workers who are being forced to self-isolate at home. The Government had promised to consider expanding the eligibility of statutory sick pay so more low-paid workers could access it – but they have now said there will be no changes to the rules.

That cannot be right when millions of workers are expected to be “pinged” by the NHS Covid app and told to isolate themselves this summer, leaving many facing hardship.

Finally, I published an article on my website calling on Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors to stop their NIMBY approach to housing, and work with the Labour Group on Stockport Council to deliver a suitable mixture of housing right across our town and borough, which is of good quality and fit for everyone.

As always, if you live in Stockport constituency and have any issues you need help with, please don’t hesitate to contact me on navendu.mishra.mp@parliament.uk.