MP Alison Hume column: 'Real momentum here in Scarborough and Whitby'
It’s been a hectic few weeks in Westminster, but my focus hasn’t changed.
My job is, and always will be, standing up for Scarborough and Whitby.
That matters more than the noise in London.
That’s why I’m genuinely pleased to share some good news, starting with a big win for our local schools: Mission Coastal is coming to Scarborough.
Inspired by the London Challenge, which transformed outcomes for young people in the Noughties, this programme brings together education experts, teachers and local partners to help our schools go even further.
It’s about unlocking potential, both in the classroom and beyond.
Partnerships with local employers and organisations will provide careers guidance.
I’d been pressing for Scarborough to be included in this pilot, so it’s fantastic the Government listened.
As one of only two coastal towns chosen, we won’t just benefit from the programme, we’ll shape how it develops nationally.
This is just part of the progress we’ve seen in our community.
We now have six fully funded breakfast clubs, three school-based nurseries and a Best Start Family Hub.
Nearly 2,000 children in our area have been lifted out of poverty following the removal of the two-child benefit cap.
Investment is happening too.
Through Pride in Place, £20m is being spent on regeneration projects chosen by locals in Scarborough.
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is receiving £2.7m to secure its future.
More broadly, during the last Parliamentary session, other changes introduced which will support people here include stronger protections for renters, rising living and minimum wages and falling NHS waiting lists.
During the next, one of the policies which could prove invaluable for us is the nationalisation of British Steel which was confirmed in the King’s Speech.
For personal reasons, SEND is an issue particularly close to my heart.
I recently held the first of four public consultations in Whitby on the Government’s reform plans.
The feedback I received is being passed directly to Ministers.
It’s already helped strengthen our case for improvements like Mission Coastal.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed.
There’s real momentum here in Scarborough and Whitby but plenty more to do.
I’ll keep pushing, keep listening and stay focused on what matters most - delivering for you.