A Fair Deal For Council Tenants

It is widely accepted across the political spectrum that Southampton gets a rotten deal from the government. Each year the government in real terms cuts a large chunk out of the council's budget. The net effect of this after ten years of Labour is a council tax that has more than doubled.

The new Conservative council in Southampton is working hard to improve the city and to get a fair deal from the government. As well as investment in our roads, in our local schools and in making our streets safer we need greater investment in housing. We also need a to get a fair deal from government for our council tenants. You would imagine that the rents tenants pay would all be reinvested back into improvements to housing and related services. Sadly this is not the case and next year the government will take £5.8m out of the rents that our tenants in the city pay.

In effect the Labour government is making a profit out of our council tenants and they are denying the city the investment it needs to improve housing standards to the level that we would like. To add insult to injury, every year the government forces up the rents way above the rate of inflation. As I candidate for Parliament I am fighting for a fair deal for tenants and lobbying to get this money back. The new Conservative council is taking bold steps to improve housing in the city. For instance the extra £1.5m of investment into the Maybush and Millbrook Park estates and in the private rented sector, the extra £1.8m for free home insulation.

We could do so much more if we also got back that £5.8m of tenants' money. Southampton has 18,000 council homes. That's over £300 extra investment per property in just one year! This is money that could be spent on cleaning, painting and decorating, new kitchens, bathrooms, improved heating and security.

As well as more investment for council homes it would also mean more work locally. The city council is working hard to be more supportive of local firms who wish to bid for such work. This would mean more local jobs at a time when families and businesses are struggling with the backdrop of the recession.

At the moment Southampton is losing out and I will fight in Parliament to redress the balance and to get a fair deal for the city.

Now For Change

Conservative Action to Get Britain Working

Jeremy with Conservative Party Chairman, Caroline Spelman MP

A comprehensive programme to help get Britain's economy back on track was launched yetserday at Southampton Rose Bowl.

Conservative Party Chairman, Caroline Spelman MP and Southampton Parliamentary Candidate, Jeremy Moulton, were at the event to talk about the Conservative action plan to help businesses and families through the economic downturn and to listen to the views of Hampshire businesses.

£1.8m Package to Insulate Local Homes

In December I launched a new scheme with the Southampton City Council and the energy company E-ON to provide free insulation for all private rented homes in the city. The £1.8 million scheme will help insulate over 3,000 homes.

This is a huge investment that will make a real difference to thousands of residents, many of whom are vulnerable people struggling to heat their homes.

By insulating homes for free we will ensure that fuels bills are cut. As well as keeping people warm, it is great news for the environment.

Valetine's Day Skydive

I am taking part in the Valentine's Day Skydive to raise money for Rose Road.

The charity is based in Lordswood and works with over 200 children and young people with complex disabilities.

I am taking part in the 10,000 ft jump along with Cllrs Paul Holmes and Ben Walker and I hope to raise £1,000 for the charity.

Visit my Justgiving page to sponsor me.

Happy New Year!

I have been working hard as your Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test since being selected 12 months ago.

It's been a fantastic year, and I am proud to have made several changes in Southampton as a member of the new Conservative Cabinet on Southampton City Council.

- Doubling spending on repairing our roads.

- Securing £35m of funding for two new city academies.

- Boosting investment in our estates with an extra £1.5m for Millbrook and Maybush.

- Launching a new £1.8m package to insulate 3,000 rented homes.

I have also put a stop to the unpopular policies of the last administration, such as their plans to scrap the weekly bin collection and their plan to introduce extra charges for residents parking zones.

During 2009 I will be working with my council colleagues to do everything I can to support Southampton people through the tough economic times and get our city through the crisis.

- We are investing in key infrastructure projects in the city with our programme of works amounting to £80m over the coming 12 months.

- We will see continued investment in the city with IKEA opening in February, the redevelopment of Northern Above Bar, the opening of the new Carnival HQ and the planning application for Watermark West Quay, one of the biggest retail developments in the south.

- We will ensure council tax is kept as low as possible and will deliver on our commitment for a 10% discount for pensioners.

- We will help recruit more Special Constables by giving them a 100% discount on their council tax. We will also support the police in limiting the number of new pub and club licences in the city centre and Bevois Valley. Thousands of worn out street lights will be replaced.

- We will expand our new schools sports partnership with Solent University. 20 schools will be taking part in this hugely successful scheme in 2009.

I will keep local people updated throughout the year on what I’m doing. Last year I worked closely with many resident and tenant groups and met with representatives from a number of faith and voluntary groups in the city. I am keen to meet with and support many more local groups in 2009.

A happy and prosperous New Year to everyone!

Best Wishes


Cllr Jeremy Moulton

Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test