Telford GUARDIAN

Right Wing Claim Housing Crisis Caused by Immigration - Fact or Myth? The claim that "the real reason you can’t afford to buy a home is that more than 18 million people have come to Britain since 1997" as a lot of far right commentators are stating, requires careful examination of immigration statistics and the factors affecting housing affordability in the UK - MYTH The REALITY  Immigration Facts Population Growth:  Since 1997, the UK has seen significant immigration, with estimates indicating that over 18 million people have arrived.  This figure includes various categories such as (key) workers, students, and asylum seekers. It is essential to note that the UK's population growth due to immigration is comparable to other high-income countries, and the net migration figures have fluctuated over the years, influenced by economic conditions and policy changes. Recent Trends:  As of mid-2024, net migration was notably high, reaching 728,000, primarily driven by non-EU...

Why Net Zero is a Win for Everyone: A Closer Look at its Impact in England and Wales Let's chat about something that's been buzzing around lately: the net zero economy. You might have heard some chatter that it's all doom and gloom, but the reality is way more exciting and positive. Let's dive into why net zero is actually a fantastic thing for everyone, especially in England and Wales. A Booming Economy and Job Creation First off, let's talk numbers. In 2024, the net zero economy across the UK, including England and Wales, poured a whopping £28.8 billion into the economy. To put that into perspective, that's almost the entire economic size of Wales! This isn't just pocket change—it's a massive boost that underscores just how crucial the net zero sector is to our regional economies. And it's not just about the money. The net zero sector is a powerhouse for jobs. It directly supports around 273,000 full-time positions across the UK. But when you facto...

Labour MP Reveals He's Unfocused  Shifting the Focus: The Real Financial Challenges Beyond Benefit Fraud In recent discussions about the integrity of the benefits system, Labour MP Shaun Davies of Telford made a statement that has sparked considerable debate. Davies remarked, "Allowing people to cheat the benefits system – especially when it comes to disability benefits – makes a mockery of that system, and harms those with genuine claims to disability benefits." While his concerns about fraud are valid, it's crucial to examine the broader financial landscape to understand where the real challenges lie. The Numbers Tell the Story To put things into perspective, benefit fraud, including disability benefit fraud, amounts to £1.6 billion. Within this is the disability benefit PIP - which loses 0.2% in fraud, a minute fraction of benefit fraud, and costs more to recover than is paid out!  In isolation, this figure might seem significant. However, when compared to the stag...