Earlier in December the Chancellor announced the setting up of a £4 billion levelling up fund for local infrastructure projects to bid on.

These projects must be supported by the community and be able to be completed by the end of the Parliament. The Government is also changing how infrastructure funds are invested to benefit more people outside London and the South East in areas like Cornwall. It is a niche campaign I have been running on the Treasury.

Previously, local and central government had been bound by getting the best value for money out of investments, but because economic indicators are so high in the South East, this has meant more money has been funnelled there because there is a greater return, compounding the disadvantage gap.

That changes today. By ripping up this ‘green book’ rule, projects in areas like Cornwall will finally get the recognition they deserve and have a greater chance of being funded. Previous governments and MPs of all parties have in the past promised to try and make investment fairer – but I am proud that we have finally delivered on this commitment for North Cornish residents. Though it is not a glamorous point, North Cornwall will see serious benefits from this change for many decades to come. I am looking forward to getting back to work on this when the House returns in the New Year.

I was very happy to welcome the Health Secretary’s announcement of the allocations of over £1.72m to upgrade and refurbish RCHT Treliske as part of our plans to help the NHS build back better after coronavirus. We were elected at last year’s election in order to deliver on the priorities of local people, like investing in the NHS and transforming our community for the better. That’s why we are providing funding to tackle critical maintenance work in our main hospital, refurbishing wards, installing brand-new electrics and upgrading ventilation systems. The work is scheduled to be completed by March 2021. These crucial projects will deliver immediate benefits and provide NHS staff with the facilities they need to provide world-class care to patients.

After the success of Small Business Saturday in early December I hope that constituents will join me in supporting our local high streets in the New Year sales. The last year has been a very difficult time for retail and I know our shops, pubs and cafes will be very grateful for the continued support. I know that consumer habits are changing but I continue to be a big supporter of our independent and community shops.

My office team and I will be working over New Year, and if you have any concerns or need support please do email via [email protected]. I would also like to invite you to check my website www.scottmann.org.uk and Facebook page www.facebook.therightMannforNorth Cornwall for regular updates on the work I do on behalf of the constituency.