Hull Victoria Pier work delays 'cultural vandalism'
An opposition councillor has criticised Hull City Council for not carrying out repairs to a 200-year-old pier.The Liberal Democrats-led authority said it was exploring options for the future of Victoria Pier, which was closed to the public about five years ago for safety reasons.Labour's Daren Hale, who previously led the authority, said it was "only ever meant to have been shut temporarily" while repairs were carried out.The Lib Dems, who took control of the council in 2022, said they had inherited "many half-finished and unplanned projects".
Speaking to BBC Look North, Hale described the lack of action as "cultural vandalism"."This [pier] is part of Hull's history," he said.Hale insisted the money was there to carry out the repairs, but said "you've got to have the will to do it"."This is 200 years of history and it must be saved," he said.
In a statement on Friday, the council said: "Sadly, the previous Labour administration under Daren Hale left so much of the city to decay and rot."The Lib Dems deeply value our infrastructure and cultural heritage, but we inherited many half-finished and unplanned projects from Labour. "We are moving forward with plans over the future of Victoria Pier, alongside other investments in the budget proposals."Labour was yet to put forward a "credible plan", the statement added.The authority previously said it had secured a specialist contractor to "inspect and assess the possible future options for the structure".However, it has not confirmed whether one of the options would be to demolish it.The pier, originally known as the Corporation Pier, first opened as a ferry terminal in 1825, linking Hull and Lincolnshire. It was renamed following a visit by Queen Victoria in 1854. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
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In her letter, the Work and Pensions Secretary said: 'We recognise the proposed changes have been a source of uncertainty and anxiety. We will ensure that all of those currently receiving PIP will stay within the current system. The new eligibility requirements will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only. Article continues below 'Secondly, we will adjust the pathway of Universal Credit payment rates to make sure all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the severe conditions criteria – have their incomes fully protected in real terms.' She said a ministerial review would ensure the benefit is 'fair and fit for the future' and will be a 'coproduction' with disabled people, organisations which represent them and MPs. 'These important reforms are rooted in Labour values, and we want to get them right,' she said. 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an hour ago
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One MP said that ministers would need to 'go back to the drawing board' to make the Bill acceptable. Another said they expected the legislation would get through second reading if the Government conceded the key sticking points relating to existing Pip claimants, the health element of universal credit and a policy consultation. 'It would need to be in the Bill, not just a commitment,' they said. Speaking in the Commons on Wednesday, Sir Keir told MPs he wanted the reforms to reflect 'Labour values of fairness' and that discussions about the changes would continue over the coming days. He insisted there was 'consensus across the House on the urgent need for reform' of the 'broken' welfare system. 'I know colleagues across the House are eager to start fixing that, and so am I, and that all colleagues want to get this right, and so do I,' he said. 'We want to see reform implemented with Labour values of fairness. 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'The only way to avoid a catastrophe today and in the future is to stop the cuts altogether by halting the Bill in its tracks.' The Tories described concessions as 'the latest in a growing list of screeching U-turns' from the Government. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said: 'Under pressure from his own MPs, Starmer has made another completely unfunded spending commitment. 'Labour's welfare chaos will cost hardworking taxpayers. 'We can't afford Labour.'
