Money comes flooding into South West Norfolk

In his fortnightly column, South West Norfolk MP Terry Jermy discusses new flood schemes…

This week the Government has confirmed South West Norfolk will benefit from three new flood schemes totalling over £4.5m. The schemes will help protect homes and businesses as well as boost the local economy.

The schemes to receive funding include the Magdalen Fen Flood Risk Management Scheme, the Ten Mile Embankment and Little Ouse Sluices.

I am delighted the Government has confirmed over £4.5m of funding for our area. I’ve been lobbying for improved flood defences over the past few months as we know our part of the region is highly susceptible to flooding. The Government has recognised this by putting a significant 26% uplift per year in flood investment. With this investment, the construction of schemes can now be kickstarted or progress closer to completion.

The second big announcement is that the Labour Government has announced police forces will receive an additional £800,000 to tackle rural crime. The National Rural Crime Unit and National Wildlife Crime Unit will receive the government funding to continue their work in tackling rural and wildlife crime, as well as protecting farmers from the theft of farm equipment – including machinery, vehicles, GPS trackers and fuel.

I am working to protect our communities, our countryside, our farmers, and our wildlife so this extra funding is very welcome. This money will be valuable to address concerns including livestock worrying, fly tipping and the theft of major equipment from our farms. We saw under the Conservatives’ rural crime increase and it is crucial that we now turn this around.

And the third and final big policy announcement of the week, from April 1, Labour are giving more than three million workers a pay rise including 300,000 across the East of England. We said we would Make Work Pay and improve living standards across the country, and we are doing exactly that. More money into people's pockets and into the economy - supporting workers and business alike.

Locally, I was delighted to attend the St Winnolds Horse Fair in Downham last week – a key part of our local history. It was great to see so many people in attendance, and of course, the horses and miniature donkeys were the stars of the show! I’ve also met recently with British Sugar at their Wissington site, visited a farm at Nordelph, attended a charity quiz in Shouldham and much more. As we approach the Easter Parliamentary recess, I look forward to being able to visit more locations around the constituency. For full details of what I am up to, please visit www.terryjermy.com or like the Facebook page, ‘Terry Jermy for South West Norfolk’