Election: Caroline Spelman Interview

ELECTION: Conservative
candidate Caroline Spelman

As part of our General Election coverage, Other Side of Solihull has sent questions to the six individuals battling it out to be the next MP for Meriden. Their answers will be posted here. First-up is Conservative candidate Caroline Spelman. 

The impact of HS2 will be considerable for the people of North Solihull. Do you believe the scheme should go ahead and if so what steps can be taken to mitigate the disruption?

I have worked hard to move the line away from the Chelmsley Wood estate so that it no longer takes land from the Bluebell recreation ground. Moving forward, I am working to reduce noise pollution by calling for a 'cut-and-cover' tunnel to be built. I have also fought tirelessly for improved compensation and mitigation for those affected along the HS2 route. It is important to remember that the new station will bring jobs and opportunities for the people of North Solihull; I am working to get it fully integrated with existing housing and infrastructure projects so residents get the full benefit of this 21st century development.

There is still a gap in living standards, employment levels and health between North and South Solihull, what do you believe can be done to address this inequality?

I am determined to reduce the inequality in health, education and economy across the

borough. I have worked regularly with local GPs to tackle the difference in life expectancy and I have helped to secure funding for two new GP surgeries in North Solihull. Importantly, we are seeing attainment levels rise in the schools in North Solihull due to focused investment. We have seen unemployment halve since 2010 across all categories of worker, including young people and the long-term unemployed.

Two of the main concerns for people in the north of the borough are the lack of affordable housing and loss of green space - if re-elected as MP for Meriden how would you address what are sometimes conflicting problems? 

Conservatives in local and national government have invested in North Solihull and this area is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Solihull Council has built almost 1000 homes in North Solihull since 2008, many of which are affordable or social housing. The Conservative commitment to prioritise brownfield over greenfield sites has protected green space and much of the new housing has been built on disused industrial land. North Solihull remains green and growing, and is an exciting area to raise a family or base a business.

You have now represented Meriden for 18 years, what would you say your proudest achievements have been in this time?

Without doubt the single biggest achievement is the regeneration of the Chelmsley Wood estate; the refurbishment of the tower blocks by overhauling their heating system with a new source of renewable energy including solar panels and better insulation has brought down energy costs for residents, reducing their living costs.

DEVELOPMENT: Mrs Spelman says she is proud of the North
Solihull Regeneration, recently welcoming Health Secretary
Jeremy Hunt to the Chelmund's Cross site.

Conservative policies such as the bedroom tax and welfare reform have been fiercely criticised by some. What would you say to residents affected by these changes?

The Government has given Solihull Council £295,000 a year for discretionary payments to help residents with the spare room subsidy and there are only a handful of residents who have not engaged with the process which enables them to continue living in their present accommodation.

Finally, why should people in Meriden vote Conservative on May 7?

I urge people to vote Conservative on May 7 to complete the economic recovery from the mess we inherited only 5 years ago. Our long term economic plan has brought many jobs to this area and has created many opportunities, especially for young people to get a good start in life. We are committed to increasing spending on health to maintain and improve our NHS, and the Conservatives’ commitment to education in the borough means every child has the opportunity to go to a good school. Having served the constituency for 18 years, I offer a strong voice and unbeatable experience to help us face the future together.

Tomorrow: We speak to Green Party candidate Alison Gavin.