Politically Speaking with Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby

From improved travel support for disabled people to new opportunities for those with health conditions looking to gain, retain and flourish in employment, the Government is taking positive action to help residents. That, in turn, strengthens our towns.

With Mission Coastal on the horizon and a number of educational establishments invited to join another major national initiative, there’s real positivity about the future.

We're also seeing direct benefits for our local community buildings. Eastfield Police Station, Whitby Leisure Centre and the town’s Maritime Hub are all receiving support through a Great British Energy scheme to make greater use of clean, locally generated electricity.

This means lower running costs, reduced carbon emissions and more money available for the frontline services. It's exactly the sort of practical investment that benefits communities both now and moving forward. Great British Energy, of course, is the publicly owned energy company established by Labour.

Looking to the future, seven schools across our area have been invited to take part in the Enrichment Expansion Programme. It aims to ensure disadvantaged young people can access activities ranging from sport and outdoor adventure to arts, culture, volunteering and building future skills.

Every young person should have the chance to discover new passions and build confidence beyond the classroom.

I’ve also welcomed the decision to expand eligibility for the Disabled Persons Railcard.

Widening the criteria means more people with disabilities or health conditions will be able to benefit from discounted travel, helping them stay connected to work, education, healthcare, family and friends.

At the same time, organisations can now bid for a share of £60 million in national support aimed at helping people with health conditions enter, stay in and progress through work.

Good employment can be life-changing. This funding will help remove barriers, build confidence and ensure more people can access the chances they deserve.

Together, these announcements show a Government determined to spread opportunity, support communities and back places like Scarborough and Whitby.

There’s still lots more to be done, but this month has delivered another strong set of results for Scarborough, Whitby and the villages.