Darlington shoppers give verdict on Labour Government year on
Changes to welfare payments, the removal then reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance, and the impact of the previous Conservative Government were all brought up by residents.
Several people shared a sense of disappointment over Labour’s performance so far.
Alastair Dunn, who lives in the town, said: “I’ve voted all my life for Labour, but last year was the worst vote I ever cast.
“I don’t even know what my MP looks like, at least Peter Gibson knows the local businesses and charities.”
Rich Stevenson, also from Darlington, added: “Labour had their chance following lockdown, when it felt like good vs evil with the Tories, but they’re dead in the water now I think.”
Some residents were still impressed by the impact of the previous Conservative Government.
A pensioner from Darlington, called Evers, said: “A lot of stuff, like most of the building work, is a result of the previous government.”
Marion Wade added: “There’s no difference between the two parties, they don’t act in the interest of their constituents.”
The government’s proposed reforms to welfare and personal independence payments (PIP) were met with nationwide backlash, with some Darlington residents sharing the sentiment.
Some residents were happy with the reinstatement of the winter fuel allowance, which has now returned, albeit with a cap on individuals earning over £35,000 a year.
Evers added: “I agree with the government bringing back the winter fuel allowance, I probably agree on the cap as well, I doubt you’ll find many pensioners in Darlington breaking it.”
A government spokesperson said: “This government was elected with a commitment to deliver change and security for working people – and we are getting on with the job.
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“We are delivering our Plan for Change – a cost-of-living boost with four interest rate cuts, wages are rising faster than prices and immigration coming down with 30,000 people with no right to be here removed.
“At the last election a year ago, we promised two million extra appointments in the NHS in the first year of this government and now have delivered four million extra appointments. That’s a promise made and a promise delivered.
“Progress has been made, but we know people are impatient for change – and we are too – so we will continue to govern in the national interest for British people and deliver a decade of national renewal.”