John Pugh Warns of Worrying Times to Come

Retiring MP John Pugh is to help keep a regular advice surgery going at the former MPs office but the Liberal Democrats are going staff it with skilled volunteers and councillors rather than paid staff.

He claims that demand from Southport people for help is going to increase while wages remain low and planned benefit cuts kick in.

" Over the last twenty years we have been helping thousands of people with a whole range of issues from major complaints about the health services to minor council issues-open every weekday- and we’re not going to stop because we didn’t win the election.

But there is particular storm brewing as neither of the big parties are planning to stop the benefit freeze or do anything about the scheduled cuts in child tax credit and that’s a huge issue in Southport https://www.economist.com/news/brita...-another-round

“Recently many people on benefits have been left high and dry without enough money because of the draconian and sometimes irrational application of sanctions.

We have often been able to intervene helpfully, but I anticipate with inflation and the ongoing freeze, it’s only going to get worse.There’s a sector of society that is being forgotten by almost everyone.

We have acquired considerable expertise in addressing people’s problems over the years and we’d like to continue to put that to good use for the benefit of current and future clients regardless of how they vote or whether they vote at all

It's rewarding to make some difference irrespective of whether it's a small pothole fixed or a major NHS issue resolved."

The advice surgery is open at 35 Shakespeare St on weekdays 9-12 and at other times by appointment (Telephone 01704-533555 or email sldadvice@gmail.com)

Looks like little boy lost....

Why, given that the Lib Dums were dumped into third place in the recent Election?
Also, Pugh might be well advised to ditch Michael Foot's tailor, he looks like he's auditioning for the part of Worzel Gummidge.

Originally Posted by roving-eye

John Pugh Warns of Worrying Times

Retiring MP John Pugh is to help keep a regular advice surgery going at the former MPs office but the Liberal Democrats are going staff it with skilled volunteers and councillors rather than paid staff.
"

Wasn't it staffed with councillors previously? Seems perfectly reasonable for councillors to run surgeries so hardly big news unless John Pugh is saying times wouldn't be as worrying if he'd won? Before trying to take a moral high ground, he needs to not forget he voted for bedroom tax, not capping rail fares, benefit capping to name a few.

Ultimately if for the greater good seems like a good idea to use experience to help however as with many things ends up being used to slight the opposition which spoils it a little I'd say.

Is he talking about the same tax credit and benefit cuts that he voted for while he propped up the Tories for five years? Does this hypocrite think people round here are stupid?