A strong local economy

Helen at the opening of Foodie's Emporium in Headcorn

Businesses are the engine of the economy and we need successful local businesses to provide local jobs. There are clear signs that the economy is going in the right direction with more jobs in the UK than ever before. Locally, unemployment has halved since 2010 despite the squeeze on the public sector.

I want to help local businesses of all sizes succeed, through pro-business legislation and taxation, cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, reform of business rates and a Brexit deal that works fro everyone in Kent. 

We need investment in infrastructure so the local economy can grow, and excellent education so our children have the skills for the jobs of the future.

News

Spending on local services in Kent to hit £1.1 billion

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.

Brighter days are on the way as we enter 2021

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.

Eating out to help out in Faversham and Mid Kent

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.

More money for safer streets in Kent

I’m pleased that Kent will be benefiting from a new £25 million scheme to keep our streets safe.

The Safer Streets Fund is part of the Government’s work to tackle crime, and aims to stop offences that blight communities and cause misery to victims.

£50 million to get our high streets open again

Coronavirus has emptied our high streets and forced many businesses to close temporarily or move online.

Getting people back into shops is crucial for many traders, but we need to do this safely when the time is right.

Budget 2020

This Budget delivers on people’s priorities.

Right now, one of those priorities is responding to Covid-19.

Securing the future of Faversham’s Magna Carta

Faversham’s Magna Carta dates from 1300 and is one of the town’s most important treasures.

I’m delighted to be supporting plans for this ancient document to be put on permanent display in Faversham so it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.