MP welcomes vaccination programme acceleration Following the emergence of the new coronavirus variant, which is between 50% – 70% more transmissible than previous strains – MPs, including John Baron MP, voted last night to impose new restrictions. People should not leave their homes unless for the limited permitted reasons, and should work from home...
Read more »
MP encourages businesses to use them Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on Monday, the Chancellor has announced a £4.6 billion package in new lockdown grants to support businesses and protect jobs. These one-off grants for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors will enable an estimated 600,000 businesses to apply for grants worth up to...
Read more »
MP hails extra £3,838,050 for Essex County Council As part of its £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, councils across England are being given extra funding to support vulnerable families and prevent hunger. This builds on the £63 million already provided to councils this year to assist those struggling to buy food and essentials....
Read more »
MP says this will give greater certainty to owners and employers The Chancellor has announced that the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme will be extended until the end of April 2021, and that the Government business loan schemes will be available until the end of March 2021. So far, the Jobs Retention Scheme has helped...
Read more »
MP hails 82 more Police Officers for Essex Police The Home Secretary, Rt Hon Priti Patel MP, has announced policing will receive up to £15.8 billion in 2021-22, an increase of £636 million on last year. This includes over £400 million to recruit 20,000 extra Police Officers by 2023, in line with the Conservatives’...
Read more »
MP says this will help identify asymptomatic infections The Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, has announced that every secondary school and college in England, as well as special schools and alternative provision, will have access to rapid coronavirus testing from January. Following the success of pilot schemes, all staff...
Read more »
MP: People may be entitled to £500 support payment If you are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace, which is a legal obligation, and are on a low income, unable to work from home and will lose income as a result, you may be entitled to a payment of £500 under the...
Read more »
MP says we must all work to keep virus low This afternoon the Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, announced that London and other areas, including Basildon, will be going into Tier 3 from 00.01 on Wednesday. This is responding to high local infection rates, which in...
Read more »
MP congratulates Things Made Public CIC and the Towngate Theatre In July the Government announced an unprecedented £1.57 billion funding package to support the cultural, creative and heritage sectors through the pandemic. This funding has supported at least 75,000 jobs nationwide, with further reach across the supply chain and for freelancers who are benefitting...
Read more »
MP highlights funding for local hospitals The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt Hon Matt Hancock MP, has announced that £600 million has been allocated to upgrade and refurbish hospitals across England. This will be used to tackle critical maintenance work, refurbish wards, install brand-new electrics, improve fire safety and upgrade...
Read more »