When driving around Erewash and seeing the bright daffodils, I know it’s a sure sign that Spring is on its way, and on that note, here is the Easter edition of my E-News.
Earlier this month, the Chancellor delivered his Spring Budget, in which Erewash was a big winner. Thanks to my lobbying efforts, the Chancellor announced an investment of £5 million which will be used to support cultural projects in Erewash. This exciting opportunity will build on and expand existing cultural facilities and preserve more of our cultural heritage for future generations.
There were a number of headline measures in the Budget aimed at boosting productivity which I know will benefit many across Erewash. These include the changes made to child benefit, which will see over 170,000 families across the country gain around £1260.00 in financial support as well as a further cut of 2 percent to National Insurance which means the average person in work will now be better off by over £900.00. Fuel duty has also been frozen for an additional 12 months to further support Erewash drivers. The Chancellor’s Budget was sensible and balanced which targets productivity, rewards those who have worked their entire lives, and provided further investment in communities like Erewash. You can view my contribution to the Budget debate here.
Since the Budget, the Chancellor has announced that the Conservatives will continue to provide pensioners with the guaranteed Triple Lock, ensuring the State Pension stays in line with wages, inflation or 2.5 per cent, whichever is the highest, a measure I know will be welcomed across Erewash.
On top of the fantastic news that Erewash will receive £5 million of Government support for cultural projects, I am delighted to have been able to secure over £550,000.00 for Victoria Park Leisure Centre. This investment is part of the Government’s Swimming Pool Support Fund and will help the leisure centre improve its energy efficiency. More information can be found online.
In Parliament I have made a number of interventions, including questioning the Department of Health and Social Care about the closure of Boots Pharmacy in Sandiacre and asking the Minister for Equalities for an update on the expansion of the of the opt-out HIV testing programme to an additional 47 hospitals across England, specifically in Nottingham and Derby. You can view my question to the Public Health Minister via this link and my contribution on opt-out HIV testing here.
There have been numerous events in Erewash I’ve had the privilege to attend, including visiting Ilkeston Community Hospital to see the building works taking place which will upgrade the Community Diagnostics Centre as well as visiting Dallimore Primary School & Kirk Hallam Academy to see local female students take part in the Football Association’s Let Girls Play Biggest Ever Football Session and meeting officials from Derbyshire County Council to raise my concerns about the conditions of the Borough’s roads. Through my casework, I’ve helped hundreds of Erewash residents and within the last month have successfully resolved 364 cases.
Other useful information:
🎪The Community Ownership Fund Round Four Window One is now open to applications until 10 April. Erewash community and voluntary groups, seeking to secure ownership of, or improve local places, should consider applying to this fund here. I have also created a useful funding pack to help local groups apply for funding and grants opportunities. Please contact me if you would like a copy.
🏥I will be making nominations to this year’s NHS Parliamentary Awards to celebrate the achievements of healthcare staff. I’m looking for local healthcare heroes to put forward for national recognition. So please get in touch if you would like to nominate someone. Further details can be found on my website.
💷Over the last five years the National Lottery Community Fund has awarded Erewash £2 million through 77 grants. I am urging local community groups across Erewash who have an idea of how to improve our community to seriously consider applying for The National Lottery Community Fund. More details can be found online.
🚌Derbyshire County Council will receive £5.1 million in Government funding to help transition buses to a zero-emission fleet. The Government has also confirmed that the £2 bus fare cap has been extended until the end of the year. Bus companies - routes included in the £2 fare cap scheme can be found via this link.
🐰There are a range of Easter activities happening across the Borough this weekend. Why not stop off at the Erewash Museum for their Easter Party on Good Friday or Chick Handling on Easter Saturday. More information can be found here.
I hope residents have an enjoyable Easter break.
With best wishes, Maggie Throup OBE MP
Member of Parliament for Erewash
P.S. My Community Office is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday from 9am-5pm and on a Thursday 8am-5pm. Should you have an issue I can help you with, please either phone my office on 0115 930 0521 or email me at [email protected].
P.P.S. Your friends and family can now sign-up to receive my Westminster Despatches, by visiting www.maggiethroup.com. In addition, should you know of anyone who does not have access to a computer and would like to receive paper copies of my e-news on a regular basis, then please do let me know their details (including their full name and address).
Promoted by Ian F. Gutteridge, on behalf of Maggie Throup MP, both of Unit 2 The Old Co-Op, South Street,
Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5SG.
