Cost of living, NHS and Gouda cheese: What the Yorkshire coast thinks Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister, should tackle first
MP Andy Burnham formally became Prime Minister this week (July 20) - we asked you to tell us what you think he should tackle first in his new role.
With Andy Burnham serving as the new Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street, The Scarborough News has asked readers across the Yorkshire coast what they think should be top priority for the new leader of the Labour Party.
Many people across Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington want the ever-present concern of illegal immigration to be addressed by Andy Burnham, whereas others would rather he resigned immediately or called for another general election.
A number of other issues were also brought up by readers across the region, with the cost of living crisis and funding for the NHS proving most important to readers.
Karen Mount believes that “lack of affordable social care and the NHS” are the most important issues, while Claire Cairns added: “Cost of food prices. Scrap energy standing charges. Block council attempts at raising council taxes above 5%.” The wealth inequality was a key issue for Debbie Rolls, who commented: “Redistribute wealth. Reduce the cost of living and stop tax evasion by the rich.”
Karl Shepherd said: “Huge taxes in line with tobacco duty on fast food outlets to alleviate the obesity crisis on the NHS. Bring back national service.”
On the other hand, Sue Beevers thinks the Prime Minister should “raise the tax allowance, that would help working people”.
Alan Lee Snr : “If he can pull off The National Care Service then this will be a game changer, but as always the devil will be in the detail.”
The cost of energy, water and other utilities, as well as the possibility of nationalising or reforming the way companies charge customers, were also high priorities for our readers.
Bev Evans said: “Increase personal allowance. Limit standing charges for gas and electricity. Take back control of the water companies.”
Sarah Barber added: “Energy bills- and no, removing vat off electricity bills for six months isn't tackling the ridiculous price of our energy costs. It is a drop in the ocean”
Rachael Taylor was focused on nationalisation, she commented: “He needs to re-nationalise essential utilities and re-invest the ridiculous profits back into the networks.”
Assisting the elderly with rising costs and a re-evaluation of the pension age were big concerns for our readers.
Keeley Anne said: “Helping the older generation, the people who can't afford to heat their homes, go without food and live on a poultry pension.” while Debbie Jones simply added: “Reduce pension age.”
In addition, Yorkshire coast residents' views on crime were brought up, with people wanting specific types of crimes to be addressed and the criminal justice system changed. Mal Hartley said: “Youth knife crime has to be high up” and Richard Preston said “Justice, stop the “merry go round” of reoffending.”
The other main issues brought up by readers were foreign aid and protecting green field sites.
James Hodgson said: “Foreign aid, scandalous the amount we give away.” Dorothy Clarke said: “Stop building concrete jungles on green spaces, use brown field sites.”
Although many interesting and important issues were discussed by our readers, one reader offered some advice to the new Prime Minister that was not quite as sage as the rest.
James Koppert said: “I'm really fed up that hardly any Gouda over here has cumin seeds in it. I'd love to see that change immediately. Also a law regarding music in supermarkets should be a little more interesting and varied. And Morris dancing to be taught in schools.”