As we emerge from lockdown and we become fully vaccinated, it is my top priority to support local business, jobs and economic growth.
As your MP, my efforts are dedicated to ensuring that Telford can access the funding and support we need from Government to recover from the pandemic and secure our future.
In December 2019, our area overwhelming voted for this Government. The manifesto promised funding and a focus on areas that had historically struggled, delivered through infrastructure and skills investment. This manifesto commitment is even more important as we deal with the impact of the pandemic.
The Chancellor’s support throughout the past year has kept our local economy going. To manage the transition from lockdown to full reopening, businesses can access restart grants and sector specific support; furlough and support for the self-employed will continue for some months to come.
Telford has a proud heritage of innovation and enterprise. It is an aspirational town, where people work hard to get on. Telford has also had its challenges in terms of unemployment and a skills gap. I was successful in making our case to Government, that we should benefit from the Government’s levelling up agenda. Government has launched a range of measures to help towns like ours. Government is investing in our high streets, our cultural venues and most significantly of all Telford is one of 100 towns able to bid for up to £25m for our town to build back better.
This investment is an exciting opportunity. In partnership with local colleges and businesses leaders, we are working on a proposal to Government to invest in infrastructure and skills for Telford’s future. At the heart of our bid is a maths and digital hub which will drive forward Telford’s prosperity, create jobs, a skilled workforce and boost our economy.
In addition to the £25m and other the other opportunities to bid for levelling up funding, this Government is driving up employment and skills training, with a total of £1.6 billion invested in employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships to help those looking for jobs. Then there is the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme specifically creating new jobs for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.
Despite our challenges at this difficult time, we can look forward to a better tomorrow, as our community leaders work constructively with the Government that local people elected, to secure our future.
