I received a letter today from an individual with additional health needs in Thornbury, who had written to their Council and MP first, but felt understandable dissatisfied by their inaction.

He wanted advice about how the pandemic restrictions affected someone in his position, as well as making some very good points around a lack of information and responsiveness in the local area – notably relating to Thornbury High Street, something that I’ve commented about in the past. I personally feel the lack of engagement with local shopkeepers is extraordinary and the economic impact on the town will be devastating unless this is addressed.

But my main reflection is on how worrying it is for people who just want to know the best thing to do, and who know that the Government (and the local MP) are not listening to them, and not putting their needs first.

Central Government can and should do better, but sadly shows no signs of doing so. Particularly so today as they objected to Labour’s request not to cut Universal Benefit in the middle of a pandemic and an economic crisis. — in Thornbury, Gloucestershire.