Last week saw the Chancellor deliver his Autumn Statement and I know that many of you will welcome the news of the extra £11 billion into our schools and the NHS and especially the announcement that, in line with our manifesto commitment, the Triple Lock has been protected. Many pensioners in the Moorlands have been in touch with me with their concerns and I am therefore really pleased to hear about the increase in pension credit and the state pension.
It’s been a busy few weeks in the Moorlands, with my Community Volunteers Celebration event, Remembrance services and other meetings and visits including one to the Canal and River Trust’s project to rebuild the Hazelhurst Bridge on the Caldon Canal.
I was really pleased to see the work to rebuild the bridge, which was a victim of severe weather a couple of years ago. The Canal and River Trust do such good work to maintain the waterways and it was great to hear about this project and the other work they are doing. The canals are a really important asset in the Moorlands and it is good to know that they are in safe hands.
As we approach Advent, it is lovely to see Christmas trees and decorations going up, Santa’s grotto opposite my office and a really festive air in our towns and villages.
On Friday, I joined many local people at the Christmas Lights event in Leek. It was good to see people out and about, supporting our local shops and traders, enjoying the fairground rides, food stalls and the music and showing that very special Moorlands community spirit that brings us all together on occasions such as this despite the dreadful weather. The whole event was great and I would like to thank all the organisers for such a fantastic evening.
