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Another fantastic announcement this month is an additional £549,991 for Hampshire Constabulary as part of the Government’s Safer Streets Fund. The extra funding will be aimed at improving security in areas particularly affected by crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.
I am sure you will agree that our public sector workers have gone above and beyond throughout this crisis, this month it was announced that 900 000 public sector workers, from doctors to Armed Forces personnel, will benefit from a pay rise. Doctors and teachers will see the biggest pay rise, estimated to affect 519 000 workers, but the increase will also benefit police and prison officers, dentists, senior military and senior civil servants, those working in the judiciary and the National Crime Agency.
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This month also saw the NHS' Birthday which was marked by a country-wide clap, this has been the most challenging year in the 72 year history of the NHS and has demonstrated the commitment and incredible strength of our workers and the lifesaving work they do.
The NHS Parliamentary Awards has also reopened giving us the opportunity to thank an individual, or whole team, out of the 1.3 million-strong army of NHS employees, who have gone above and beyond to support us and our loved ones, particularly through the recent challenging months.
The Health Secretary has announced the most comprehensive flu programme in UK history will be rolled out this winter to protect the UK’s most vulnerable residents and the NHS. This expansion will see more than 30 million people vaccinated this winter, from those on the shielding list to school children.
I've recently had many constituents contact me regarding a number of posts circling on social media regarding my colleagues and I supposedly voting against a clause that prevents the sale of the NHS in our future trade deals. I want to assure you that this is harmful and worrying political game playing, the NHS is not on the table as part of our trade negotiations, you can read my full statement at the link below.
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In the last few months we have seen that being overweight puts you at a much higher risk of dying or being seriously ill from COVID-19. This week, the Government and NHS England have launched a new Better Health Strategy to try and reduce the impact of COVID-19. Losing weight is hard, but with small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier!
The Prime Minister has also announced a £2 billion plan to boost walking and cycling throughout England, tackling some of the biggest health and environmental challenges that we face. This plan will by provide funds for additional infrastructure, such as cycling lanes, bike racks and on-street storage as well as bicycle repair vouchers.
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This month, I met virtually with constituents at The Time Is Now climate change lobby. Although it wasn’t quite the same as last year when we all met in Westminster (pictured), it was a great chance to discuss the importance of making sure our recovery from coronavirus is environmentally sustainable. I have passed some of their specific concerns onto the Chancellor, but it’s great to already see some fantastic announcements, including a £3bn investment package for green home improvements and moves to retrofit social housing.
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I also had a productive virtual discussion month Anne-Marie and SJ from the Solent LEP. We discussed a huge range of issues including local business support and the actions of the LEP’s Coronavirus Taskforce.
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I've also been contacted by many constituents throughout the pandemic regarding education.
The Secretary of State for Education this month unveiled detailed plans for all children and young people to return to full-time education from September.
He also announced that state schools in England will receive a £2.2 billion funding increase for next year. This funding is part of the £14 billion settlement for schools by 2022/23.
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Further good news from Parliament includes the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill passed through the House of Commons which will keep victims safe and ensure survivors of this horrendous crime get the support they need to rebuild their lives knowing justice has been done.
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The Chancellor also announced a unique and unprecedented package of measures to support Britain’s economic recovery and protect jobs. The ‘Plan for Jobs’ includes:
- A landmark £2 billion Kickstart Scheme
- Investing £111 million into tripling the scale of traineeships
- An extra £32 million for the National Careers Service
- An extra £1 billion of the Department of Work and Pensions.
- £17 million funding boost. for sector-based academy placements
- A £2000 bonus for businesses who employ an apprentice under the age of 25
- A £1500 bonus for businesses who employ an apprentice over 25
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Further funding has also been announced for Local Councils this month. Gosport's total funding boost is £1,029,819, while Fareham have been granted £1,334,362.
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As Minister of State for Digital and Culture, I was delighted to announce that Britain’s globally renowned arts, culture and heritage industries will receive a world-leading £1.57 billion rescue package to help weather the impact of coronavirus.
This investment could offer a potential lifeline for valued venues across our area including The Kings Theatre, Mary Rose Museum and the Mayflower Theatre which all face an uncertain future.
The money, which represents the biggest ever one-off investment in UK culture, will provide support to organisations across the country hit hardest by the pandemic.
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I was also pleased to see a VAT cut of 15% for restaurants, hotels, attractions and cinemas from 20% to 5% over the next 6 months. Importantly, the measures will also benefit some of the many unique attractions in the Gosport Constituency, including the Diving Museum, Hovercraft Museum, Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower, Submarine Museum and Little Woodham.
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As ever, my team and I are here to help. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]. |
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