REDDITCH MP, Rachel Maclean, has hit out at the Liberal Democrats after being accused of voting for a ‘concrete cover-up’.
Conservative MPs voted against a Liberal Democrat amendment to the Levelling Up Bill that would have forced the Government to publish a full register of schools and hospitals in Redditch and across the country that are in a state of serious disrepair.
This list would have to be published within one month of the bill passing and regularly updated on a three month basis with up to date information.
However, Mrs Maclean said the amendment in question was not needed because the Government already have extensive, well-established and transparent data collection arrangements for schools and hospitals.
“The Lib Dems pushed an amendment to chase headlines and not to do anything which would actually be constructive because they’re far more interested in playing games than being helpful. Frankly, this is the kind of politics that my constituents are fed-up of.
“In addition to annual funding and central rebuilding programmes, we provide targeted support for schools and hospitals with specific problems such as reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).
“The creation of a new register, collecting new data and following up issues easily managed locally, will take resources and focus away from the most serious issues which require additional support to keep our schools and hospitals safe, undermining overall safety.
“That would carry unavoidable significant financial implications for both the NHS and the school system.
“I can assure you that this Government is doing whatever it takes to support our schools, colleges and hospitals in responding to RAAC and minimise disruption to education and health services.”
Andrew Fieldsend-Roxborough, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Redditch, said: “It’s shameful that Rachel Maclean and this Conservative Government has once again chosen to cover-up information from their constituents rather than be transparent.
“Their refusal to be honest and their continued efforts to hide this information is shocking; in Redditch, we have a right to know if our schools and hospitals are liable to collapse or filled with toxic asbestos.
“If Rachel Maclean won’t fight for adequate funding to repair our schools and hospitals, the least they can do is tell constituents which buildings are affected.
“This is just another example of Rachel Maclean and this Conservative Government taking people in Redditch for granted and playing them for fools.”
