MP: new Covid Local Support Grant provides extra resources Throughout the pandemic the Government has provided an extensive package of support to strengthen the safety net for individuals, families, communities and businesses who have been under pressure during these challenging times. One key component of this support was the Covid Winter Grant Scheme, which...
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MP: Step Three is major milestone out of lockdown The Prime Minister has announced that with the ‘Four Tests’ being met, and with deaths and hospitalisations at their lowest levels since July and with the four Chief Medical Officers across the UK agreeing to reduce the Alert Level, England will move to Step Three...
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MP concerned at possible effects on arms-length bodies Due to the financial pressures of the coronavirus pandemic, the Government has announced its decision to temporarily cut ODA (international aid) spending from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%. During an Urgent Question today in the Commons into ODA spending reductions, John Baron MP asked, “The Minister...
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MP: Efforts against Covid-19 are global At the weekend the Government announced the UK is sending lifesaving medical equipment to India where the covid-19 situation has taken a tragic turn with severe shortages of oxygen. The UK is sending shipments of over 600 oxygen concentrators and ventilators, with the first shipment arriving tomorrow, and...
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MP: Over 10 million people have received second dose At the weekend the vaccination programme passed the 10-million mark for second doses. This means that over 10 million people, including the most vulnerable to covid-19, have received their full course of vaccines. Across the country nearly 33 million people have received at least their...
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MP: Vaccines are very safe and effective All the evidence continues to show that vaccines are safe and effective, with many millions of doses safely administered both in the UK and worldwide. Our vaccine experts are constantly monitoring the data from the vaccination programme, and in line with some data suggesting a possible link...
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MP encourages local businesses to consider scheme Today the Government launches the Recovery Loan Scheme, which will provide further support to help protect businesses and jobs. Businesses large and small will be able to access loans varying in size from £25,000 up to a maximum of £10 million, which include 80% Government guarantee and...
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MP: Second doses important Yesterday the Prime Minister confirmed in his statement that the coronavirus data will enable Step Two of the roadmap to proceed as forecast. From 12th April shops, gyms, zoos, holiday campsites, personal care services (such as barbers) and beer gardens and outdoor hospitality can reopen. The Prime Minister also urged...
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MP looks forward to sector reopening Across the country the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund is using nearly £400 million to support more than 2,700 culture and heritage organisations and independent cinemas. This is part of the Government’s wider spending, amounting to almost £2 billion, to support the arts during the pandemic. In Basildon and...
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MP: Essex to receive an additional £1,334,287 The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has announced that the Covid Winter Grant Scheme will be extended to April. This scheme has enabled Local Authorities to provide targeted extra support to families and individuals, keeping them warm and well-fed over the winter period, with a...
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