TAN DHESI, LABOUR PARTY
Tan Dhesi, 45, has been Slough’s MP since 2017 and is standing to be elected for a third time in 2024
Why do you want to represent Slough? Being the MP for Slough has been the honour of my life, and I know that if re-elected, being in the heart of a Labour Government will mean I can ensure more resources for Slough. So far, my whole time as an MP has been in opposition to a Conservative government desperate to cut our public services to the bone, and so I am hoping that for the first time I will be an MP in the party of Government and can make greater progress addressing some of the issues facing Slough.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough?
* Housing – we must ensure everyone has safe, affordable, and high-quality housing. The Tory-made housing crisis has left us with council waiting lists at an all-time high and rents being pushed ever higher. Labour will introduce new protections against damp, mould and cold in rental properties, put in place a ban on no-fault evictions, and build 1.5 million homes and ensure local resources and amenities can accommodate these new developments, to make sure we’re not just building homes, but communities too.
* Cost of living crisis – sky-high bills have put huge pressure on household budgets. This must be addressed so hard-working people can live comfortably. A Labour government will help families save up to £300 off their energy bills, end massive upfront payments for renters, and get our economy back on track to ensure we all feel better off.
* Crime – feeling safe in our community is a high priority for me. If elected into government, I’ll ensure that there is a contactable, named police officer in each neighbourhood, ensure police patrols of our high street and neighbourhoods, and tackle the scourge of knife crime by banning ninja swords, lethal zombie-style blades and machetes, and strengthen the rules to prevent online sales. As the Labour manifesto makes clear, every young person caught in possession of a knife will be referred to a Youth Offending Team with a plan in place for them to prevent reoffending.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? Having been a passionate advocate for Slough for 7 years, I will always campaign on the issues I know matter to the people of Slough. Whether that is international human rights, housing, more resources for our public services, or our education system. For too long we have suffered under a Tory government that has overlooked our great town. If elected, I will be at the heart of, what I hope will be, a Labour Government and therefore able to ensure Slough is not left behind.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? We must level the playing field between online giants and our local high-street businesses. This means overhaul of the business rates system to make it fairer, encouraging- investment and nurturing entrepreneurship. Our high streets and town centres should also be accessible and safe places to enjoy, so a Labour government will tackle anti-social behaviour, and provide the services local people need, such as banking hubs and post offices. I also want to see local people having the right to buy community assets. High streets are the hearts of our communities, and they should be treated as such.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? Over the past seven years, I have seen the impact of a lack of suitable housing in our area, with homelessness and overcrowding continuing to rise. We must ensure that everyone can have secure housing and a place to call home.
Under a Labour government, I will ensure our local community remains at the forefront of shaping our local area. To achieve the ambitious housebuilding this country desperately needs, we will take a brownfield-first approach and are committed to protecting the green belt, and releasing grey belt areas.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis?
Local councils up and down the country, including Slough Borough Council, have experienced an unprecedented level of cuts over the past ten years at the hands of this Conservative Government. Funding to our own council has been slashed by nearly 40% in real terms in the last 6 years alone, and has been compounded by the Section 114 notice and the pandemic. I know this has impacted all manner of services, leaving residents feeling short-changed. It is local elected councillors who oversee the council, not the MP, so whilst I have had no involvement in the running of our council, throughout my time as MP I continued to work with the council to press for better services for local people, including on the SEND crisis. In fact, this is a matter I have continually brought to the attention of the Government, including instigating debates and questions to Ministers. All children have a fundamental right to high-quality education suited to their needs.
Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? I would want to ensure that all constituents can live without choosing between heating and eating. For too long, families have struggled and a Tory government who has had their head in the sand – a Labour government would tackle the cost-of-living head-on by launching GB Energy to bring down bills, reduce food prices and expand access to childcare.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? I drive an electric car.
What’s your favourite film or TV show? My favourite film is Avatar.
When was the last time you cried? When Jurgen Klopp left Liverpool! Gutted!
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? No.
MONI NANDA, CONSERVATIVE PARTY
Conservative Moni Nanda is a former business owner and sports volunteer, as well as a town councillor for Gerrards Cross in Buckinghamshire who says she is ‘on the good side of 40’
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? Childhood imprints really do last a lifetime. Slough was the place that gave me my lifelong friendships. I worked on the Windsor Road for almost a decade, I married a Slough boy, bought a home here and gave birth here.
I want to represent Slough because I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for this place. I can’t bear to see what’s happened to this town now, enough is enough, it is time for us to pick ourselves back up, dust ourselves off and bring back Slough’s sunny spirit!
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Knife crime, a broken High Street, the cost of living and littering.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected?
– Having unity, (this strengthens our town, any division weakens our resolve).
– High Street, sort it out !
– Knife crime. Zero tolerance.
– Health and Social care – from birth to old age, to create a system that aligns all medical matters with a single point of contact and intervention.
– Education – push for SEND needs and local school spaces for our children.
– Bring business back to Slough, demand apprenticeships for our home grown talent.
I will champion all of the above as much as humanly possible if elected. It will take time but I am determined to do what it takes to demand more for our town, for all our residents, our families and our elderly members of society. That IS the job of the MP.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? A broken High Street is a poor representation of who we are. It is the core of a town, it’s the heartbeat of a place. It MUST be restored to something better.
I will bring the investors back to the table first and foremost, rebuild that trust and negotiate a deal and a structure that supports ALL residents and the town. Working with local business and creating community engagement is vital. It takes a village. WHOEVER this town choose as YOUR next MP I will pass on all the works and contacts I have undertaken on this project so far, because having that High Street back on its feet, having families shop there again, having investment back in THIS town is more important and bigger than politics…
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? First time buyers must take advantage of the strong discounts when the Conservatives are in power. (Eg stamp duty).
Developers must adhere to a strict code of conduct, a home should be aesthetically pleasing, built correctly and in line with the outlook of the vicinity, rather than chuck a concrete structure around, the approach with any building development must be carefully and duly considered with a helicopter view.
We are so lucky to be in the middle of many towns and villages on our doorstep, so we must preserve those green parts of our county and build on brownfield sites to protect those green spaces.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? When it comes to finances I lean into my own 20 year business experience here in Slough as well as overseas; our Council is now Conservative run and making careful and considered decisions whilst dealing with a previous Labour administration bankruptcy. When a council is struggling with finances it must explore alternative revenue streams, engage communities more, and foster public-private partnerships. This is vital and we are so fortunate in Slough because of our geographical location as well as the companies that open up shop here. But nobody has taken advantage of that and demanded more participation and partnerships from international businesses based here on our doorstep. Additionally, effective asset management, lobbying for better funding, and involving residents in budgeting decisions also plays a huge role in ensuring financial sustainability and efficient services for our residents.
SEND is a huge issue up and down the country. We need resources, we need classrooms, we need more care and that is a priority, one that will make me push hard because I feel deeply emotional about the needs of our vulnerable.
I will also absolutely support anyone that is vulnerable and needs help, we must, it’s vital and it is human to do so, we must always have that safety net in place for the most vulnerable members of our society.
I also know, from my own experiences that we need a ladder for those that are able and want to achieve something different in life too, and perhaps, like me, they will want to return to serve the town that made them.
What car do you drive? A Fiat 500 – with a real gear stick too! (I have a family car as well but most days you’ll find me zooming about in my loyal Fiat friend)!
What’s your favourite film or TV show? Titanic (and Jack could have easily got on that raft if Kate budged up a bit..;)
When was the last time you cried? Last night, when I got home. (A local resident told me how he struggles with the loss of his wife).
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? Never.
CHELSEA WHYTE, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Chelsea Whyte, the Liberal Democrat candidate, is a 27 year old public affairs and communications consultant.
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? I grew up near Slough and went to the University of Reading. I know the issues faced by commuter towns like Slough and since being selected as the Parliamentary Candidate I have been campaigning across the town, meeting residents from all walks of life.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? The cost of living and housing. People across Slough have felt the impact of increasing costs of rents and mortgages, utility bills, food, and more. The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to:
Extend the free school meals scheme to more children in primary and secondary schools.
Build 150,000 new social homes every year.
Invest in infrastructure and job creation to boost our economy.
The NHS and social care. Our health and social care systems have broken. People are struggling to get GP and dentist appointments, for example, in parts of Cippenham and Langley, and the cost of care for the elderly is unaffordable for most people. The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to:
Give everyone the right to see a GP within a week.
Secure long-term sustainable funding for social care.
Put a mental health professional in every school.
The environment. According to the Environment Agency, Thames Water discharged sewage almost 17,000 times in 2023. This puts people’s health at risk and threatens the biodiversity of our waterways. Our green spaces are a great asset to our local communities, but they face constant threat from developers who want to build on them. The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to:
Stop sewage dumping by transforming water companies and replacing Ofwat with a new regulator.
Plant at least 60 million trees a year.
Invest in renewables so 90% of energy is generated by renewables by 2030.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? In addition to those above, I am also campaigning for:
A free and independent Palestine, something which I know many people in Slough feel passionately about. The horrendous attacks of October 7th, and those that have followed, have sent shockwaves across the globe and senior UK politicians have not done enough to bring this conflict to an end. Too many innocent lives have been lost. The Liberal Democrats, nationally and in Slough, have been campaigning for an immediate ceasefire since October 2023, at a time when other political parties refused to do so.
Fixing our broken democracy. As the political landscape continues to shift in the UK, many people are frustrated at the lack of influence they can have when voting in elections. Under our existing First Past the Post electoral system, many votes are wasted and not enough voices are heard. The Liberal Democrats want to see a proportional system of voting in which everyone feels like their vote matters.
A closer relationship with Europe. We are only just beginning to feel the impact of leaving the EU, but there can be no doubt that being outside the EU has increased the cost of living and made life harder across the UK, including for companies in Slough Trading Estate. The Liberal Democrats are campaigning to rejoin the Single Market and remove as many trade barriers as possible to put money back in people’s pockets and support British businesses.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? The Liberal Democrats are committed to supporting our local communities, including by abolishing business rates and replacing them with a Commercial Landowner Levy to help our high streets.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? Slough Lib Dems have been campaigning for an introduction of the community infrastructure levy (CIL) which would ensure when planning permission was agreed, developers make larger contributions to invest in local infrastructure to ensure it keeps up with increasing populations.
The Liberal Democrats want to ensure community-led development of cities and towns using brownfield former industrial or commercial sites. We want to deliver a fair deal for renters by immediately banning no-fault evictions, making three-year tenancies the default, and creating a national register of licensed landlords. We will give local authorities the power to end Right to Buy. We will abolish residential leaseholds and cap ground rents to a nominal fee, so that everyone has control over their property.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? I attended the Liberal Democrats party conference in March and supported the successful motion to close the £4bn gap in local government funding, including placing a focus on establishing a long-term funding plan for social care. We have also campaigned for greater powers to be devolved to local authorities and away from central government so the people who know communities best can govern them.
We would tackle the crisis in special educational needs provision, and help to end the postcode lottery in provision, by:
Giving local authorities extra funding to reduce the amount that schools pay towards the cost of a child’s Education, Health and Care Plan.
Establishing a new National Body for SEND to fund support for children with very high needs.
The cost-of-living crisis has caused huge financial hardship across the country and restricted the life chances of millions. The Government response has been a series of patchy and short-term fixes. We believe in supporting those most in need in ways that actually enable them to better their lives. Short-term, continuing the Household Support Grant will enable people to continue paying for their essential bills.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? Volkswagen
What’s your favourite film or TV show? At the moment, Bridgerton
When was the last time you cried? When I watched Ed Davey’s party political broadcast speaking about caring for his parents and son, his experience as a carer is something I think most people can relate to.
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? No.
JULIAN EDMONDS, GREEN PARTY
Green party candidate Julian Edmonds is a 58 year old water conservation engineer
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? I moved the area in 1989, bought my first home in the centre of Slough in 1991. Since then I have lived in Slough except for an 8 year break in Hungary where I met my wife.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? 1) Being Robbed and Swindled by the Labour run council over many years 2) The desecration of th High Street 3) The difficulties faced by the majority of its people living in the government’s Hostile Environment, especially the difficulty getting visas for family members to visit.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? For a more flexible and innovative route to net zero which takes people with us. Heat pumps aren’t for everyone – that’s why we have plans to produce gas from grass. Electric cars won’t work for everyone – that’s why we have plans for biofuels and synthetic fuels produced from solar energy. Also to restore frictionless trade and free movement with the EU. Net migration went up because of Brexit. Instead of people coming from nearby countries where they can still visit family back home, they come from half a world away where they are more likely to want to bring family members. And British citizens have lost the right to study, work and retire abroad so there’s no offsetting trend of people moving out of the country.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? Charge higher business rates for online delivery warehouses and data centres so that we can afford to reduce charges on local shops. Convert unused retail and office buildings to flats and build homes on unused plots so there are enough people living within walking distance to support at least some retail, leisure and entertainment. This will be good for younger people who have not yet met their life partner, to have an affordable home and an environment in which they can meet people.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? Green spaces in urban areas, and any place of natural beauty or valuable wildlife habitat should absolutely not be built on. But that leaves lots of monocultural farm land, green when viewed from space, but marginal economically and sterile as far as wildlife is concerned. After using up all the unwanted commercial buildings and empty urban plots for starter homes, a small fraction of this should be used for building family sized houses with gardens for those who want to start families.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? UK local governments only control 5% of public finances. In most European countries it is 30 to 40%. We would decentralise more powers and resources to local authorities, particularly the power to set business rates and keep the proceeds.
Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Yes, I have personal experience. I did time in a “mental school”, for children with learning difficulties, then went on to study at Cambridge. What I actually have is the same mutant gene as Greta Thunberg. I would institute a triage system to identify those children who are actually disabled and need support, and those who are being victimised for being “different”.
Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? No. It shouldn’t be needed.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? Kia Niro EV mark 2. I chose this model because 1) it actually does over 90% of its advertised range 2) Made in a friendly country 3) It does not have a remote data link to be hacked.
What’s your favourite film or TV show? The sci-fi series Andromeda. I would re-write it for a near future Earth, with the European Union as the civilisation being rebuilt from scratch.
When was the last time you cried? When my father died last June.
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? Yes, on a visit to Amsterdam I had honest-to-God coffee. And then coffee.
ADNAN SHABBIR, WORKERS PARTY OF BRITAIN
Adnan Shabbir is the Workers Party of Britain candidate. He has worked developing medical equipment for the healthcare industry.
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? I have been a Slough resident for the last 25 years. As a resident of Slough, I have witnessed firsthand the decline in various aspects of our beloved town.I want to represent Slough because I am committed to addressing these pressing challenges and working towards the betterment of our town.
Over the years, I have seen our public services deteriorate, leaving residents without the support they need. Our streets have become less safe, and finding affordable housing has become increasingly difficult. The council’s financial struggles have only compounded these issues, limiting the resources available to tackle them effectively safely.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Public safety, housing crises, financial stability for the council.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected?
Improving Public Safety: Implementing effective crime prevention strategies and working closely with law enforcement to ensure our streets are safe for everyone.
Addressing the Housing Crisis: Advocating for the development of affordable housing and supporting initiatives that provide housing assistance to those in need.
Strengthening Public Services: Ensuring that our public services are adequately funded and managed to meet the needs of our community.
Financial Stability for the Council: Promoting transparent and responsible financial practices within the council to address the deficit and avoid future insolvency issues.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? The key initiatives I will focus on to support the struggling high street will be Business rates incentives, promote local shopping, events and markets. We also need to enhance infrastructure i.e public transport and parking, beautification projects.
Online presence for local business, free WiFi zones, community engagement with regular consultation. Safety and security has been a concern so increased policing and CCTV.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? Ensuring that people can afford to live in Slough while also protecting our green spaces and countryside from overdevelopment is a challenging but crucial goal. Here’s how I plan to achieve this balance:
Redevelop Brownfield sites , incentivise developers who develop brownfield sites, inclusionary zoning, implement policies requiring new developments to include a percentage of affordable housing units, promote sustainable urban development and also work with the local council to enhance existing green spaces.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? Lobby for increased funding, equitable funding distribution, proper financial audits and promote shared services between neighbouring councils.
Lobby the government to increase funding specifically earmarked for SEN, advocate for dedicated grants for SEN provision, ensure funds are used
effectively to support children with special needs, improve SEN training and resources. This includes teachers training and resource allocation for schools.
We also need to streamline assessment processes, efficient assessments, reducing wait times and ensuring timely support for students in need.
I will also advocate for the continuation of the household support grant.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? Did not answer
What’s your favourite film or TV show? Did not answer
When was the last time you cried? Did not answer
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? Did not answer
ROBIN JACKSON, REFORM UK
Robin Jackson, a 54 year old client director, is the candidate for Reform UK
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? I live and work here in Chalvey and see and hear peoples issues on a daily basis.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Homelessness, social housing, cost of living
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? All of the above, violent crime, council tax (I want to revert the latest hike), shoplifting, taxes.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? I have extensive knowledge in hospitality, business and finance and would look to promote Slough, bring in new investment and to also challenge and review council spending and apparent waste.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? With difficult choices as there are 2830 people, a ten year waiting list for social housing from the last 15 years of Labour council mismanagement overseen by a Labour MP. Investment is required is social housing as nothing was even built here last year.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? I would like to see where every penny is spent. £41 million on a coucnil office but we have two job centres? A CEO on £1100 per day and this year, even while under government special measures, the council id due to lose £14 million pounds? Make it make sense. When I was there last week, they were spendign money on recruitment agencies!!! Why? The household support grant is only papering the cracks. There is a SEND provision in Slough. I would need to know more to understand the issues you mean.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? I do not own a car but I have a driving licence.
What’s your favourite film or TV show? Good Will Hunting.
When was the last time you cried? When my six year old sang to me.
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? No.
AZHAR CHOHAN, INDEPENDENT NETWORK
Azhar Chohan is a candidate backed by the national Independent Network. He is an immigration adviser and a former caseworker for Slough’s Labour MPs but left the Labour Party in April this year.
Why do you want to represent Slough? My family connections to this town go back 65 years. My wife and children were born here and I’ve been proud to call the Slough community my home for the last 25 years. I want to represent Slough because the very people that I have lived and worked alongside feel ignored and disenfranchised by a Labour party that have overseen the decline of our beloved town and a Conservative government that has run this country into the ground. I also believe we need to be represented by elected officials that are part of the very communities they are standing to represent.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Slough is a vibrant and diverse town with much to offer, but it faces significant challenges that need urgent attention. The three most pressing challenges are the lack of investment in our high street and town due to failed Labour leadership, high waiting times for hospital and GP appointments leading to health inequality, and the lack of affordable, safe, and secure housing.
One of the most visible and concerning issues in Slough is the lack of investment in our high street and town centre. Over the years, inadequate leadership has led to missed opportunities for revitalising these crucial areas. Failed Labour policies have left our high street struggling, with empty shops and a decline in foot traffic. This neglect not only affects the local economy but also the sense of community and pride among residents. It’s essential that we develop and implement a strategic plan to attract businesses, enhance public spaces, and create a vibrant town centre that residents can be proud of and that draws visitors from surrounding areas.
Health inequality is another significant challenge in Slough, exacerbated by high waiting times for hospital and GP appointments. Residents often face long delays before receiving necessary medical care, which can lead to worsening health conditions and increased anxiety. This issue disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, contributing to a cycle of health disparities.
The housing crisis in Slough is a pressing concern, with many residents struggling to find affordable, safe, and secure homes. The demand for housing far exceeds the supply, leading to inflated prices and forcing many families into substandard living conditions. This lack of affordable housing not only affects the financial stability of residents but also their mental and physical health. It is imperative to prioritise the development of affordable housing projects, implement policies that protect tenants’ rights, and ensure that all housing meets safety standards.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? In addition to the above, one of the most pressing issues in our area is the rise in knife crime and anti-social behaviour. This is not just a statistic; it’s a real threat to the safety and well-being of our residents, particularly our young people. I will work tirelessly to implement and support community-led initiatives, increase police presence, and enhance youth outreach programs. By collaborating with local schools, youth organisations, and law enforcement, we can create a comprehensive approach to prevention and intervention, ensuring that our streets are safer for everyone.
Our town has tremendous potential, but it has been held back by a lack of investment. I am committed to attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs to create jobs and apprenticeship schemes to boost our economy. This includes advocating for improved infrastructure, better public services, and revitalisation projects that will make Slough an attractive place to live and work. By investing in our town, we can create a prosperous future for all residents.
It is also essential that the people making decisions about our community truly understand and represent our needs. Too often, decisions are made by those who are not familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities in Slough. I will fight to bring back localised decision-making, ensuring that our elected officials are from the places they represent and are directly accountable to their constituents. This means advocating for greater transparency, community involvement in decision-making processes, and policies that reflect the voices of our residents.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? The High Street is in decay, with shops closing and brands departing. Whilst nearby towns including Reading and Bracknell have seen successful town centre regeneration projects, in Slough’s High Street the rate of persistent vacancy has increased 258% since 2015. I promise professional leadership for our town, and sensible policies to stabilise Slough’s economy and bring prosperity to its residents.
I will provide leadership and vision alongside local business owners, and the council to unlock the potential of our High Street. We will form a new plan for regeneration that includes promoting Slough as an attractive investment in order to secure vital funding. Negotiations with investors will be handled professionally, contrary to how they are being handled currently, and we will promote sustainable development. I will lobby for cuts to business rates to incentivise entrepreneurship and support our local businesses.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? Slough is facing an urgent Housing Affordability Crisis caused by Labour incompetence locally and Tory negligence nationally. House prices in Slough are significantly higher than the national average, and wages have not kept up. Over 2,800 people in Slough are waiting for social housing, and the waiting list is the longest it has been in a decade.
Far too many are trapped in cycles of poverty by high rents and a lack of housing. Slough’s Labour council spent too much time providing licences to developers who built luxury properties without considering local needs, and Labour’s national housebuilding targets lack ambition and strategy.
I will work with government and council authorities for a reformed planning system, focussing on building on brownfield, disused, and environmentally unfriendly sites where possible. I will push for all new developments to include at least 30% genuinely affordable housing, and to introduce stricter standards on both social and private housing to tackle dangerous conditions such as damp and mould.
Our urban and rural green spaces must be protected, and we must ensure our environmental heritage sites are preserved, not sold off. This includes Slough’s parks, as well as our historic wetlands and streams.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? Slough’s economic potential is huge, but we need competent management to unlock it and ensure it benefits our residents. I have seen how the Labour council mismanaged negotiations with external investors, and I promise a more professional approach to bring money into our town. We must bring Slough out of the unprecedented economic chaos and bankruptcy which past politicians led us into – this will be the primary focus of my work inside and outside Parliament.
For example, Slough is the largest Data Centre hub in Europe, and I will push for policy reform to ensure the local council can retain 100% of business rates of new critical infrastructure developments like data centres, instead of the current cap of 50%. This will benefit our local public services such as education and transport links, as Slough leads the UK into a new era of technology and AI.
Both Labour and the Tories have failed children with special educational needs. Tory austerity has decimated schools’ resources, and Labour’s plan for 6,500 new teachers across the entire UK is nowhere near enough.
As your MP, I will implement a plan alongside the council and organisations such as Slough Children First, which have had their funding cut nationally and are not delivering adequate levels of service. We will work with staff to clear the backlog of EHCPs and improve their quality. I believe every child deserves tailored support to maximise their opportunities.
In Parliament I will support expansion of the Household Support Grant, which offers critical help to those in precarious and vulnerable situations. At the same time I will champion policies that address the underlying causes of poverty in the UK, such as housing and employment reform – listening to Slough residents’ concerns at every stage.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? Did not answer
What’s your favourite film or TV show? Did not answer
When was the last time you cried? Did not answer
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? Did not answer
DIANA COAD, INDEPENDENT
Diana Coad is an independent who is the chair of a fostering panel, a poppy appeal organiser, and supports survivors of domestic abuse. She says she can still run rings around people half her age.
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? I have lived there for 25 years since I was first selected to fight the parliamentary seat of Slough in 1999. I have fought Slough a number of times and was a councillor there for twelve years fighting the corruption in Slough council. I believe in the people of Slough and Slough itself. it has been reduced to a third world country by uncaring labour MP’s and the bankrupted labour council.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Biggest challenges facing Slough are bankruptcy which is decimating services and destroying the town centre by moving the council out of the centre into luxury offices, and failing to attract investment. Lack of affordable housing and sectarianism now trying to divide a previous harmonious population. Also training and skills to fill the Slough jobs, lack of dentists and doctors, crime and violence, homelessness and electric scooters on pavements.
I am campaigning on being the voice for the voiceless and their families. for all the above reasons and when elected I will be fighting for Slough residents and working with the council as they are weakly led and need stronger voices and to help with making tough decisions. As MP I will work to get inward investment to Slough.
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? Our high street is a disgrace as you wade through rubbish and avoid electric bikes and scooters. I would encourage big names back into our high street. Farnham Road is really the new town centre.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development? People in Slough are being priced out of accommodation by London boroughs placing their homeless here, as it is cheaper. This is unfair on our homeless and younger people and families. rents are ludicrous. we need to build more council housing stock. We also need to stop the constant influx of people arriving in boats which puts too much strain on our health services, housing and education. Help people once you have helped yourselves. I will work to preserve our green spaces which we need – and to develop brownfield sites
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? The council are still making very odd decisions and have a grandiose council office which is largely empty as people are still working from home – get them back to work or get out of that building.
We definitely need more SEN places which is so neglected. As for the household support grant. it is a ridiculous situation that people are struggling to pay power bills and the government, with our money, is subsidising the huge profits of power companies through this grant which allows the power companies to charge what they will. Also, the slavish adherence to net zero will never work – unless we want to return to lifestyles like the middle ages, up with dawn and asleep by sundown. I also cannot believe how the government are claiming that inflation is now low – try taking a supermarket trolley round and check it out.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? I drive a jaguar XK8 bought for my late husband when he was diagnosed with cancer – so it’s old but very precious to me
What’s your favourite film or TV show? I have three favourite films – the sting and Zulu
When was the last time you cried? I cried last week when my dogs tripped me up and I fell in the mud and hurt myself as well as my pride! Gaza really makes me want to cry.
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? I have never taken illegal drugs and am still involved with the national drug prevention alliance for whom I used to be a spokesman and committee member.
CHANDRA MUVVALA, INDEPENDENT
Chandra Muvvala is a 55 year old IT consultant and member of Slough Borough Council. He resigned from the Conservative Party to stand as an independent this year.
What’s your connection to Slough, or why do you want to represent Slough? My ties to Slough are deep-rooted, spanning nearly two decades of residency. My desire to represent Slough stems from a profound commitment to addressing the challenges our community faces head-on. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the concerns of Slough residents go unheard and unaddressed. As a long-time resident and active participant in local affairs, I understand the complexities and urgency of issues such as affordable housing, infrastructure development, and preserving our green spaces ,education, homelessness, etc.
I aspire to be the voice of Slough residents, advocating tirelessly for their interests and concerns. By standing as an independent candidate, I aim to bring a fresh perspective and a proactive approach to local governance. My track record as a councillor since 2021, and my re-election in 2023 with a significant mandate, demonstrates my ability to deliver impactful change.
I am committed to resolving the challenges facing Slough through collaborative efforts and innovative solutions. Whether it’s promoting affordable housing initiatives, enhancing public transportation, or preserving our natural environment, I pledge to work diligently to improve the quality of life for all residents. Together, we can create a brighter future for Slough, where every voice is heard and every concern is addressed with sincerity and effectiveness.
What are the three biggest challenges facing Slough? Housing affordability stands as the paramount issue gripping Slough, casting a shadow over its residents’ aspirations for stable homeownership. With average house prices soaring to £350,000 while household incomes lag significantly at £35,000, the dream of owning a home becomes an elusive reality for many. Over the past decade, a staggering 25% increase in housing costs has outpaced wage growth, exacerbating the plight of families striving for secure housing. The confluence of high demand and limited supply has amplified these challenges, driving homelessness rates upwards and straining household finances. Addressing these pressing concerns requires a comprehensive strategy that balances urban development with preserving community well-being.
Crime ranks prominently among the city’s concerns, with Slough’s crime rate eclipsing the national average. In the year leading to March 2021, reported incidents rose, encompassing burglaries, vehicle thefts, and violent crimes, eroding the community’s sense of safety. Police resources stretched thin further compound the issue, necessitating a proactive approach to enhance law enforcement presence at the grassroots level. Implementing police desks within each ward aims not only to deter crime but also to foster stronger community-police relations, fostering a safer environment.
Education emerges as another critical battleground for Slough’s future, marked by challenges in school admissions, funding disparities, teacher shortages, and support for special educational needs. Delays in school admissions and insufficient funding have compounded the stress for families, while teacher shortages in key subjects threaten educational quality. Schools in Slough receive £300 less per pupil than the national average, impacting access to essential resources and extracurricular activities. Moreover, infrastructure deficiencies in ageing school buildings hinder educational outcomes, highlighting the need for modernization.
These issues underscore the urgency of a proactive agenda to fortify Slough’s foundations for future generations. My manifesto offers a resolute commitment to addressing these challenges head-on, advocating for sustainable housing solutions, bolstering community safety through enhanced policing, and championing educational reforms to ensure equitable opportunities for all students. By tackling these issues collaboratively, Slough can forge a path toward a more inclusive and resilient community.
What issues are you campaigning on, and what causes will you be championing if elected? Having attentively listened to the residents of Slough, I have incorporated several critical issues into my manifesto, committing to advocate for them and, if elected, take actionable steps towards their resolution and implementation. Here are the eight core issues I aim to champion:
- Improving Safety: Establish a police desk in each ward to crack down on drug usage, and burglaries
- Reviving Education: Support council for return of a university to our town. Enhance library services, expand hours, and equip them with resources for children and students
- Including Slough into London travel zones: Expand coverage of London tube fares, making commuting affordable and accessible to all
- Organising Public Meetings: Host monthly public meetings with representatives from various authorities to encourage a collaborative relationship.
- High Street Re-generation: Reform Slough’s high street to thrive with business activity and regular household shoppers
- Keeping Slough Green and Clean: Dedicated to keeping Slough eco-friendly, clean, reducing homelessness, low in traffic, and improving the overall well-being of our community
- Simultaneous Service as Councillor and MP: Serve both roles to maintain a dual focus on local and national issues
- Independent Representation: Provide steadfast dedication to Slough’s interests, free from party constraints
How will you help struggling high streets and town centres? The UK’s strategy for revitalising high streets presents a multifaceted approach that Slough can leverage to rejuvenate its urban core. Drawing inspiration from successful initiatives across the country, including Birmingham’s transformative urban plan, Slough can benefit from adopting similar strategies.
Government support is pivotal in this endeavour, and Slough can seek funding from initiatives like the Levelling Up Fund and the Future High Streets Fund. These funds offer crucial resources for revitalising empty properties, supporting local businesses, and enhancing public spaces, all essential components for high street renewal (GOV.UK). Incentivizing small businesses and startups with grants, tax reliefs, or subsidised rents would further invigorate economic activity and foster job creation, ensuring sustainable growth.
Inspired by community-led successes in Wales, Slough can empower local initiatives to drive change. Encouraging community ownership of vacant properties for community centres or cooperative ventures can instil local pride and engagement (Institute of Welsh Affairs). Organising regular markets and cultural events, similar to those revitalising Wrexham’s high street, would create a vibrant social fabric and draw visitors (Institute of Welsh Affairs). Temporary pop-up shops, art installations, and community projects can transform empty spaces into lively hubs, showcasing local talent and entrepreneurship.
For sustainable and inclusive growth, Slough can learn from projects like Meridian Water, integrating affordable housing alongside public spaces to ensure a diverse and inclusive community (RWinvest). Incorporating green spaces and sustainable practices, such as parks and environmentally friendly building designs, would enhance quality of life and appeal to environmentally conscious residents and businesses. By synthesising these strategies from comprehensive urban planning and robust government support to community-led initiatives and sustainable development Slough has a clear path forward in revitalising its high street. Embracing these principles can transform Slough into a vibrant, resilient urban centre that attracts residents, visitors, and businesses alike, fostering a prosperous future for the community.
How can you help make sure people can afford to live here while protecting our green spaces and countryside from development?
To address the challenge of ensuring affordable living in Slough while protecting green spaces and the countryside from urban development, a comprehensive and balanced approach is necessary. One strategy is to promote affordable housing initiatives through inclusionary zoning, which requires developers to include a certain percentage of affordable housing units in new developments, and through public-private partnerships that offer incentives such as tax breaks and expedited permitting processes. Expanding subsidised housing programs to provide financial assistance to low- and moderate-income households is also crucial. Utilising brownfield and underutilised land by redeveloping previously used industrial or commercial sites within urban areas, and encouraging infill development on vacant or underused plots, can minimise the need to encroach on green spaces. Enhancing public transportation and infrastructure to improve connectivity and support higher population densities in existing urban areas will help spread development more evenly. Implementing smart growth principles like mixed-use development and promoting higher density housing in appropriate areas can create more livable and efficient communities. Preserving green spaces through green belt policies, investing in urban parks, and promoting sustainable building practices are essential for maintaining our natural heritage. Involving local communities in the planning process through participatory planning ensures development meets their needs and preserves neighbourhood character, while educational campaigns raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing and the benefits of protecting green spaces. Financial incentives such as establishing affordable housing funds and providing low-interest loans and grants can support the development and maintenance of affordable homes. Regular assessments and data-driven decision-making will ensure that housing needs and environmental impacts are continuously monitored and that policies remain effective and aligned with long-term sustainability goals. By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a Slough where affordable living and the preservation of green spaces coexist, building a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant community for all residents.
How will you help councils struggling with their finances? Can you help them to deal with the special educational needs crisis? Will you want the government to continue the Household Support Grant? As a serving councillor,I will be able to give you a transparent overview to this critical objective. In the midst of an acute financial crisis, SBC is taking bold steps to address its budgetary woes while simultaneously tackling the special educational needs (SEN) crisis affecting local schools. With a comprehensive strategy aimed at both immediate relief and long-term sustainability, the council hopes to stabilise its finances and provide better support for its most vulnerable residents.
To mitigate the immediate financial pressures, SBC has initiated comprehensive financial audits to pinpoint inefficiencies and areas for cost savings. By implementing stricter financial controls and budgeting practices, the council aims to ensure that every pound is spent wisely.
Recognizing the urgency, the council is also advocating for increased government funding specifically allocated for education and SEN services. In parallel, applications for emergency funding from central government and other grants are being prioritised to bridge current financial gaps.
In a bid to secure financial stability, SBC is also exploring for public-private partnerships(PPP). By engaging with private companies and non-profit organisations, the council seeks to attract additional funding and resources to support essential services. Local businesses are being encouraged to invest in community initiatives, particularly those that enhance education and SEN provisions.
Efficiency improvements are also on the agenda, with plans to implement energy-saving programs, shared services with neighbouring councils, and digital transformation projects. These measures are expected to reduce operational costs and redirect savings to frontline services.
Innovative funding models, such as social impact bonds, are being considered to provide upfront capital for projects with measurable social benefits. These models will be particularly useful for SEN initiatives, where improved outcomes can be clearly demonstrated.
The SEN crisis in Slough has prompted a concerted effort to secure additional funding from the central government. Increased financial support will ensure that resources are available for students with special educational needs and are not diverted to other areas.
Investment in training for teachers and support staff is a priority. Enhanced collaboration between schools, parents, healthcare providers, and local authorities is being fostered to create comprehensive support plans. Multi-agency teams are being developed to address complex needs and ensure coordinated support for SEN students.
Early intervention is a key focus, with plans to implement screening programs in early years settings to identify SEN needs promptly and provide timely support.
Now, talking about the Household Support Grant, SBC which plays a crucial role in alleviating financial pressures and ensuring that basic needs are met. Lobbying efforts with local MPs and national policymakers are underway to highlight the grant’s importance. Public awareness campaigns are being launched to garner community support and demonstrate the widespread need for continued funding. By collecting and sharing stories from beneficiaries, the council aims to build a compelling case for the grant’s extension.
Collaboration with other councils facing similar challenges is also being pursued, presenting a united front in advocating for the grant and sharing best practices for its effective utilisation.
What car do you drive (do you drive)? Porsche
What’s your favourite film or TV show? Downton Abbey
When was the last time you cried? Just two days ago, when I was on a distant telephone call with my mother.
Have you ever taken illegal drugs? No
