I met with Fylde Council’s chief executive to stress to him the importance of progressing plans for St Annes.
I had an update last week on the funding we secured for Kirkham, and I am pleased to see the progress being made in the town.
While these works are carried out, we must be pressing for a Levelling Up Fund bid for St Annes. I have contacted ministers about the second round of funding, its criteria, and how Fylde can access the funding package to prepare a bid for St Annes.
I took part in the Treasury debate on helping people into work and asked what steps were being taken to make sure young people have better access to jobs following the pandemic.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Steve Barclay, told me some 180,000 vacancies have been created as part of the Government’s Kickstart scheme.
The scheme is a fantastic way into employment but I also wanted to know what help there was for young people in Fylde, perhaps those working in part time jobs in Fylde’s hospitality and leisure sector, who may not be claiming Universal Credit.
The minister told me the Treasury was investing heavily in apprenticeships, traineeships, with sector-based academies and incentivised hiring to ensure jobs were being created. Free advanced technical courses are also being held for adults without A Level and equivalent qualifications.
I also asked the Chancellor what steps were being taken to increase accountability among financial service providers and to ensure there is a clearly-defined process for next of kin, should a customer pass away.
I was assured the Financial Conduct Authority handbook rules applied here just as they do with any other financial institution, giving next of kin equal protection and recourse to complain if necessary.
More than 15 million adults have now had their second dose of the Covid vaccine and more than 51 million doses have been given in total – an astonishing achievement thanks to all who are working so diligently on the programme.
It is yet another step towards the further loosening of restrictions – thank-you to everyone for playing their part in helping reduce the transmission rate of this dreadful virus.