It has been a great summer so far in North Cornwall and I am really enjoying being out and about meeting people in the constituency. Last week my team and I spent the day at the Camelford show and we picked up lots of casework from people, plus loads of good feedback. We were also joined by Linda Taylor, the Leader of Cornwall Council, and it was great to see her in North Cornwall. One of the big issues which came up was the Camelford bypass, and I was happy to assure people that it remains a very high priority for me. I have a briefing call with the Department for Transport every week where I reiterate the need for the project and its continued support in North Cornwall. I am confident that despite the economic pressures we have faced recently due to the pandemic and recent world events, we will still be able to deliver this vital infrastructure. Constituents also discussed the upcoming Shared Prosperity Fund which will replace the previous EU-administered programme used before Brexit. Cornwall Council is preparing to put bids forward for projects and I am keen to see that unlike with the old ERDF money, local people and small groups can apply and access funds easily. The application process will also be a lot easier, and it will not require huge PR teams and specialists to set up, in fact, I understand the expression of interest document is a very simple two-page form.
Earlier this Summer the Government launched the new Help to Build Scheme. This £150 million plan will help thousands of people get the money together to build their own homes. I think self-build is a great idea, and there'll be thousands of people across Cornwall who stand to benefit from this scheme. These will be homes that often go to first-timers or people who need to build annexes for elderly relatives and will help create a more diverse housing market. It opens the possibility of building your own home to everyone, not just those already with money. I'm really excited about this scheme. There is a link for more information and a video on my social media page (www.facebook.com/therightmannfornorthcornwall).
As always if I can be of assistance with any issues, you may have then do not hesitate to get in touch via scott@scottmann.org.uk or call my office on 01208 74337. I also keep North Cornwall up to date on the latest work I am doing on behalf of the constituency via my website – www.scottmann.org.uk.