As we move into another 3 weeks of lockdown, I know that this is a difficult and worrying time for everyone and especially for those in our communities who are shielding themselves due to their age or underlying health conditions. Many of our elderly residents live alone and I am sure that it must be a lonely time for them.

MPs have approved a motion that will allow them to participate in questions (including PMQs), urgent questions and ministerial statements via video link.

The Government has distributed more than £12 billion to local authorities for the small business grants scheme.
1,313 business properties in Staffordshire Moorlands have already received grants as part of the Government’s Small Business Grants Scheme. In total, more than £14,765,000 has made its way to small businesses in the area.

Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley is hosting a Social Distancing Coffee Morning on Friday 24th April at 11.00 to help those people who are shielding themselves due to their age or underlying health conditions to protect themselves from COVID-19.

Land managers in Staffordshire Moorlands are being encouraged to get involved in a multi-million-pound government-backed scheme to see more tree planting as part of a woodland creation scheme.

During this difficult time for the country, I recognise the extreme disruption the necessary actions are having on people’s lives, their businesses, their jobs and the nation’s economy.

Usually at this time of year, we are all looking forward to spending time with friends and family over the long Easter weekend.  I enjoy the local church services that I go to and the warmth and friendship of so many as we celebrate Christ's resurrection.

There have been various press reports concerning the £10,000 for MPs’ Office Costs Budgets. 

IPSA, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority communicated the following to MPs:

Karen has welcomed the announcement that University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust will benefit from a £196,093 debt write-off as part of the government’s announcement to scrap £13.4 billion of NHS debt across England.

Community pharmacies across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will be open for business over the Easter Bank Holiday as part of the fight against Coronavirus.