Dover & Deal MP Natalie Elphicke last week in Parliament met with Dover Rotarians to discuss measures to boost local businesses, jobs and money.
The Rotarians, many of whom run local businesses, quizzed the MP on the action being taken to help local businesses to grow. Their questions focussed on what could be done to boost jobs and money in Dover & Deal.
Natalie welcomed the progress that has been made in recent years and set out the agenda to take things further forward. This included road improvements, skills investment and more support for smaller businesses. Immediately after her meeting with the Rotarians, Mrs Elphicke met with the Chancellor to discuss reducing taxes for small businesses, particularly VAT.
Natalie Elphicke pointed to investment that was being delivered – with £45 million for road and port improvements already on the way. £18 million is also being invested in Bench Street, centering on digital and creative skills with East Kent College, together with new jobs and homes.
On Thursday, Natalie visited Bench Street with Cabinet Minister Richard Holden last week to see the progress being made. Natalie pressed the minister on the importance of moving the TAP system away from Aycliffe, the need for Whitfield roundabout to be upgraded, and preparing for the upcoming borders entry-exit system due to come in later this year.
Natalie said:
“We’ve made a lot of progress with road improvements, skills investment and extra support for smaller businesses. It was great to be able to take Cabinet Minister Richard Holden to see our record of delivery on the ground. Yet we need to do more.
“The priority must be investment in our roads. Whenever there are problems at the port – whether due to bad weather, or a shortage of French border officials – there are tailbacks on Dover’s roads. This is harmful to everyone.
“We must make sure Kent Highways and Kent Police don’t lose control of the roads like they did just before Christmas. It’s vital to ensure they are on the ball when we come to the next peak getaway period – as well as the money to upgrade Whitfield roundabout and move the TAP system away from Aycliffe.
“Skills training is so important to help businesses and workers alike. The more skills people have, the higher their wages and the better businesses do. We’ve made a lot of progress and will keep seeking more investment like this at every opportunity.
“We must make it easier to run a small business too. Employers need to be able to spend their time winning more work – not tied up in paperwork. That’s why we need to see improvements in HMRC and lower small business taxes – starting with a big increase in the VAT threshold from the current £85,000 to more like £250,000.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community. When small businesses do well, we all do well – it’s key to the agenda for boosting jobs and money in our area even more.”
Dover MP sets out agenda for more jobs and road improvements to Rotarians
