Reading East Labour MP Matt Rodda appeared on the BBC Politics Show on Sunday 2 July 2017 where he made his case for an end to austerity, calling for more spending on the NHS, schools and affordable housing.

Matt says the Conservative policy of stopping public sector pay from keeping up with inflation makes it harder for nurses, teachers and other public sector workers to make ends meet. At a time when more nurses and midwives are leaving the NHS than are joining it, Matt strongly believes that it is time that their pay is kept up with inflation.

Speaking on the show hosted by Peter Henley, Matt called for more investment in the public sector and an end to cuts, which has recently seen one Reading school in his constituency call upon parents to make a contribution to help pay for the school.

 Referring particularly to the housing crisis in his constituency, Matt said:

“One of the things which I am campaigning for [and the local borough council is pushing for] is more affordable housing. We tried to build 1,000 more council houses in the town, but sadly were stopped because the funding arrangements were tweaked by George Osborne a couple of years ago. We are also fighting in the High Court [ourselves and West Berkshire have taken that action] to preserve a certain amount of affordable housing in new developments and we have gained enough of a nuance judgment to be able to push that forward in planning applications locally.”

 Reflecting on his appearance on the show, Matt said:

 “The Government needs to properly fund the NHS, local schools and other public services. I am campaigning to protect and improve these services – and it was good to be able to point out how strongly I and other local people feel on the BBC Politics Show.”