A strong local economy

I know there are strong feelings about the road closures in Faversham.

Temporary closures were introduced by Swale Borough Council last summer to allow for social distancing on some of the busiest streets in the town, but there are now plans to make these closures permanent.

National recovery is at the heart of the Government’s plans for the year ahead.

As the phenomenal success of the vaccine rollout continues, our focus is on rebuilding from the pandemic and delivering improvements that matter to people.

More local arts and culture groups are benefitting from Government support during the pandemic.

The pandemic has been tough on our high streets and village centres.

But as we continue to make progress in controlling the virus – and our vaccine rollout reaches more people every day – we can look forward to more of our shops and local businesses being able to reopen.

New research shows that around 7,600 jobs in Faversham and Mid Kent are supported by exports.

This Budget builds on our determination to save lives and livelihoods during the pandemic.

I know a number of local businesses have already taken on young people through the Government’s £2 billion Kickstart Scheme.

Spending on local services in Kent is set to increase as the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

Kent County Council’s budget has been set at just over £1.1 billion for the next financial year – an increase of £57 million from last year’s budget.

Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020.

A year that started with such promise, brought hardship and grief in the form of Covid-19. For many, it will be remembered for the moments that were missed, and the loved ones we have lost.

Latest stats from the Treasury show more than 54,000 meals were claimed in Faversham and Mid Kent under the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

This is a tremendous response to the scheme, which I know has been appreciated by pubs, restaurants and cafes in our area.