Today it was announced that Dover will receive a special Brexit transition fund of £500,000 to support business and residents. The Brexit boost, which will be administered by Dover District Council, recognises the change that transition will have on the local area and the opportunities it will bring. It includes funding to help deliver the commitment to Keep Dover Clear – allowing residents and business to get around over the next few weeks and months.
It comes fresh on the heels of a government commitment to bring additional jobs and investment into Dover after Brexit, with a new Border Control Point planned at disused industrial space in the White Cliffs Business Park, next to the B&Q, from Summer 2021. A consultation has been launched for local residents by Government Ministers so they can hear direct on any potential concerns, such as traffic and environmental impacts on the Border Control Point proposals.
Also in train, Kent MPs are collectively supporting the Kent and Medway consortium’s Strength in Places Fund bid: Accelerated Medicines Design & Development (AMDD) which, if successful, will unlock up to a further £30m of investment from the bid’s partners and, importantly, it will develop a digital capability throughout Kent and Medway to drive new market opportunities.
As well as a multi-million pound Freeports bid which would see East Kent strengthen business links with international trade and manufacturing businesses operating across the country. The formal bidding process for this has been announced this week by the Chancellor and Communities Secretary.
It was a key pledge of mine to fight for more jobs and investment for our area. It is vital that we seize the opportunities that Brexit can bring for our area and secure investment in businesses and in our road network to do just that. That’s why I welcome the new jobs, transport and infrastructure investment a Border Control Point in Whitfield could bring, together with the transition fund to help businesses and residents in our area.
Dover is the busiest and best port in the UK. We have a great future ahead. I have been working closely with the Port of Dover to support their proposals for free-zone and free port status, with local businesses who already trade with the world, as well as the creation of a Global Trade and Innovation Zone in East Kent.
The next few weeks will bring change – but they bring opportunity. I am determined we make the very most of the opportunities yet to come.
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council said:
“This week Dover District Council received around £5million of additional business and transition support from Government for our area. This is a tremendous vote of confidence – and we need to make it work for us.
“This will be an exciting and challenging next few weeks as we end the transition period. I am so proud of our unique and historic position in our area. I have no doubt that there will be challenges – but we stand ready at Dover District Council to help our residents and businesses through transition, and beyond.”