I am delighted at the news that Ashington will receive over £16m in funding to regenerate the town centre and fund other much needed projects.

While it is puzzling that this money has been announced less than two months after the original bid was deemed not important enough by the government to receive money from the levelling up fund that it was originally written for, this is nevertheless very welcome news for the people of Ashington who have seen their town held back for too long by successive governments.

I will continue to focus my attention on doing everything I can to get money flowing into other held back towns across my constituency, such as Bedlington and Newbiggin, which continue to go ignored.

These towns have all seen millions flood out of them as a result of local government cut backs which have resulted in a 79% cut in funding for local councils since 2010, with more on the way, and it is high time they got the money and support they need and deserve.

Yet if the Chancellors budget on Wednesday is anything to go by the support people need in our communities to get by will not be forthcoming.
There was no plans to increase wages which continue to be well under inflation, or support for our public services or NHS which are crumbling in front of our eyes.

Despite this, there was almost £20 billion for tax cuts for corporations, tax cuts for the wealthiest pensioners, and cuts to fuel duty. This is a budget cut off from the reality of the priorities and concerns of ordinary people who are trying their best to survive this brutal cost of living crisis and a decline in their living standards that are still lower than in 2008.

Nevertheless, my spirits were buoyed by standing on the picket lines, talking and listening to workers from a range of sectors who are passionate about their work and are concerned about the direction of our country under this government. These are incredible people who only want a fair deal for the hard work they do, and for our cherished public institutions to be protected.

Sadly they have been failed once again. We are in desperate need of a government that understands the sweeping changes that must be made to build a country that works for everybody rather than just the richest few.