As I write this column, the Levelling Up strategy has been unveiled by the Government, illustrating plans for how to close the gap between richer and poorer areas of the country.
After two years battling against the pandemic, I am so pleased that we can begin to focus on wider policy areas. I am particularly interested in the commitments to improve broadband, as well as the planned improvements to public transport, to match the standard in London.
Somerset has had these kinds of challenges for several years, and while things have improved – particularly in regard to broadband – there is a lot more to do.
Councils have been engaging with me – and those in Government - regarding things like bus strategies and I hope this Levelling Up Agenda will help push that forward.
I had a very productive meeting on Friday with officials from Mendip District Council and Sedgemoor District Council about the joint Levelling Up fund awarded by Government. It covers the whole Wells constituency, and I am heavily involved in the process of ensuring the projects will provide significant economic and community improvement.
The bid to the Department will go in later this year and I am hopeful it will make a real difference to my constituents with investment in areas which need it across the patch.
