I have been delighted with the roll out of the vaccination programme in Fylde.
There are people in their 60s now being vaccinated, as well as those aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions. The aim is to have everyone down to the age of 50 vaccinated by the end of April – along with the start of second vaccinations for our most vulnerable and elderly.
This vaccination programme is a success, thanks to our doctors, nurses, pharmacists, blue light workers, Army and volunteers – as well as the significant amount of funding from Government.
Remember – if you are aged over 70 and have not yet been invited for a vaccination, contact the NHS through the National Booking Service at nhs.uk, by calling 119, or by speaking to your local GP practice.
I highlighted the need for extra funding for coastal areas in Parliament when I questioned the Minister for Women and Equalities on geographic areas of inequality.
I told her coastal communities are home to substantial tourism and hospitality sectors which traditionally employed large numbers of women, but they have been particularly hit by the pandemic; I asked her how we can build back better.
She told me the Government is using its £230 million Coastal Communities Fund, but areas such as St Annes will also benefit greatly from a new £4 billion levelling up and shared prosperity fund – and prospectuses will be launched shortly.
I also spoke in the statement when the Government announced its £3.5 billion fund to help remove unsafe cladding from buildings. While I welcome the help for homeowners, I wanted to make sure the industry responsible, which includes some of the wealthiest organisations in the land, will be paying its fair share.
Friday sees the launch of the Fylde Parliamentary Export Programme, and I am delighted to see so many local businesses already signed up for the event.