On Monday I had a meeting with the Secretary of State for Education to talk about schools going back. I have kept in regular contact with our schools in the constituency throughout the pandemic and I know that this is an important question for them, along with parents, carers, and children themselves. I was pleased to see The Armed Forces Bill getting its second reading. This is a bill that I have been supporting and following closely. I also attended Ministry of Justice Departmental Meetings in my role as PPS to the Lord Chancellor.
On Tuesday Parliament dealt with issues relating to the Trade Bill as it moves ever closer to the statute books.
I had a meeting with Commodore David Eagles, Head of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. I attended the Science and Technology Select Committee which regular readers will know I am a member of.
On Wednesday I supported the motion to approve the Police Grant Report. I was pleased to see a 5.5% increase in funding for Greater Manchester – that’s £677.5 million in direct resource funding for 2021/22. You can find details of your local policing team on my website: https://www.chrisclarkson.org.uk/news/dedicated-police-officers-heywood-and-middleton
Wednesday also saw the vote on the Local Govt Finance Settlement. The Local Settlement has provided extra money to meet COVID-19 costs, new funding for adult and children’s social care, and for councils with responsibility for services such as homelessness, planning, recycling, and refuse collection, which will help meet cost and demand pressures next year.
I also attended a session of the Science and Tech Committee to discuss the future of Hydrogen energy.
On Thursday I had various meetings with colleagues before Parliament went into recess on Friday until 22nd February.
Next week, although Parliament won't be sitting, my office is still open. I will still be attending meetings and dealing with other general departmental business but am looking forward to spending some extra time around the constituency. If there is a problem or local issue that you would like to share your views on, please email me at [email protected] or call 01706 358 262.
