I was delighted to receive my first Covid jab this week - the new Moderna vaccine! A huge thank you to the fantastic staff and volunteers at the vaccination centre in Brighton. It was such a quick, efficient process. I was in and out within an hour (even including the 15 min post jab wait), and barely felt a thing! I was also pleased to see so many people arriving for their crucial 2nd jab whilst there. As I’ve said before, please make sure you take the vaccine when it’s your turn and its now bookable for those aged from 42.
This Conservative Government are continuing to raise the bar on tackling climate change, as last week, the PM confirmed we’re going even further in the UK's sixth Carbon Budget, enshrining in law a target to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035, matching the independent Climate Change Committee’s recommendation. I know you will all be greatly encouraged to hear this will take the UK more than three-quarters of the way to reaching net zero by 2050. Reducing our carbon footprint is all our greatest challenge, but it will also create and fuel new technologies, green innovation and exciting new jobs in the process.
Proudly, WSCC has been chosen by the Government to receive part of the UK Community Renewal Fund, which is made up of £220 million of investment across the UK. The fund aims to support people and communities most in need to pilot programmes and new approaches, investing in skills, communities and places, local businesses and supporting people into employment. WSCC are now inviting applications from organisations wishing to deliver this. For further details and eligibility criteria, please visit: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/…/…/uk-community-renewal-fund/
The new 95% mortgage scheme was launched last week, supporting first time buyers, or current homeowners, secure a mortgage with just a 5% deposit to buy a house of up to £600,000 – helping people take that first, big step on the housing ladder. It is available across Mid Sussex, with Lloyds, Santander, Barclays, HSBC and NatWest all having launched mortgages under the scheme, and Virgin Money following next month. All part of a wider range of measures to help make home ownership possible for more people and we remain committed to continuing to support this and try to tackle inequality in the housing market.
Six months on from the tragic death of Chris, a former Team GB fell runner and resident of Haywards Heath, while out training in Perthshire, his family have set up an important new charitable trust honouring his memory, giving a lasting legacy in his name, helping promising athletes with funding equipment, travel costs to races and training camps. For more info, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/chrissmithmemorialfund/