Figures released today show that in the West Midlands there are 2,791,968 people in work – meaning that, under the Conservatives, 316,329 more people have the security of a job.

In Staffordshire Moorlands the number of people who are claiming key out-of-work benefits has fallen by 430 since 2010 – an overall reduction of 41 per cent, meaning fewer people now need this support because they have the security of a job.

I know that many of you follow what is happening in Parliament on TV and in the news and whilst the main topic at the moment, of course, has been Brexit, there are also other important debates taking place in the Chamber, in Westminster Hall and other Committee rooms.  

Working families across Staffordshire Moorlands can look forward to having more money in their pockets – thanks to a range of new Government measures coming into effect this week.

Giving 32 million people an income tax cut, including 36,785 people in Staffordshire Moorlands, meaning people can keep more of what they earn, on average £1,205.
Freezing fuel duty for the ninth successive year saving the typical driver saving the average car driver £1,000 by 2020 compared to Labour’s plans. 
Giving a £690 annual pay increase to over 2.4 million workers through the National Living Wage – benefiting around 181,000 people in the West Midlands.
Giving people more dignity and security in their retirement in Staffordshire Moorlands by increasing the full State Pension by 2.6 per cent this year, meaning people will get nearly £170 more a year.

Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley has welcomed £7,162,774.88 from the Conservative Government for maintaining and improving school buildings in Staffordshire.
This year, £1.4 billion will be invested in maintaining and improving school buildings across the country so children get off to the best start in buildings fit for purpose for the future.
The cash boost includes over £430 million to carry out essential maintenance projects at over 1,200 schools and £780 million for councils and education trusts to invest in maintaining and renewing their schools.

I know that Brexit is a topic of great concern to many of you. As Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and a member of the Cabinet, I have been at the very centre of talks, in Westminster, in Northern Ireland, even in Dublin or occasionally Brussels over the last two years.  

Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley welcomes pay rise for 181,000 people in the West Midlands as the biggest ever increase to the National Living Wage comes into effect

Karen Bradley, Member of Parliament for Staffordshire Moorlands has welcomed the new Universal Support service called ‘Help to Claim’ which goes live today, Monday 1st April as part of the Universal Credit service. 
Help to Claim is free, confidential and impartial support provided by trained advisers from Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland. It is for people who need advice or practical support making their Universal Credit application and getting their first full correct payment on time.

Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley was pleased to visit St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Leek recently.
Karen popped into all the classes from the nursery right up to year 6 and did a Questions and Answers session with a group of children from years 4 and 6.

It was good to be back home after a busy week in Westminster. As I walked up Derby Street in Leek, popping into some of the great shops we have here, I was, as always, pleased to see how local people come out to support our fantastic businesses. 
The Moorlands is such a special place and while I was out delivering leaflets in Kingsley Holt later on in the day, I thought that not only do we have great town centres in Leek and Biddulph but also some wonderful villages with, I think, some of the best scenery and views in the country. 

Tackling serious violence is a top priority for the Government and I welcomed the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement in the Spring Statement that there will be £100 million additional funding in 2019/20 to tackle serious violence, including £80m of new funding from the Treasury.