The Chancellor has announced a much-needed boost for tourism and hospitality businesses in Staffordshire Moorlands as part of his Summer Economic Update to kickstart the economy post-coronavirus.

Local MP, Karen Bradley has welcomed the Plan for Jobs set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (8 July), saying it provides much-needed support to businesses across Staffordshire Moorlands.

On Sunday, the National Health Service marked the anniversary of its foundation after the most challenging time in its 72-year history. Coronavirus has been a global health emergency on a scale not seen for a century and our fantastic NHS staff have had to come together as never before, supported by volunteers and the public.

£1.57 billion announced by government to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions
Includes £900 million in grants plus additional £270 million in repayable loans
Unprecedented package widely hailed by the arts and creative industries

The last few weeks have been the oddest that I have ever experienced.  Tackling the threat of Covid-19 has involved the most incredible joint effort of the British people and so many of you have contacted me sharing your experiences

Staffordshire Moorlands has received unprecedented economic support to protect jobs and businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. 9,100 jobs have been protected through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, with Government grants covering 80 per cent of people’s wages, up to £2,500 a month.

Communities and businesses across Staffordshire have benefited from £474 million in government funding since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, helping to support some of the most vulnerable people, alongside the sectors that have been hardest hit.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust to have £196,093 of debt written off to support coronavirus efforts
The Government is writing off £13.4 billion of NHS debt across England

Staffordshire Moorlands to benefit from upgraded facilities to improve the education of children
Karen has welcomed the announcement that schools in the Moorlands will benefit from funding to improve school facilities.

Last week was Loneliness Awareness Week. This is such an important issue and before the Pandemic I organised some Senior Tea Dances and my Conference “Beyond the Front Door” to try and help tackle the problem of elderly loneliness and isolation. I was also pleased to host some virtual coffee mornings during lockdown, hosting the events live on Moorlands Radio to try and bring local people together during these difficult times.