Swindon Included in Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund

Justin Tomlinson MP has welcomed news that Swindon is one of 100 towns that will be benefiting from the Government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund. Swindon is set to receive up to £25 million of funding via the Towns Fund, which is intended for towns with proud industrial and economic heritage that have previously felt left behind or overlooked by central government. Communities, businesses and local leaders will work with the Government to draw up proposals to transform their town’s economic ...

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Swindon Advertiser Column: Brexit deadlock - we need compromise

I did warn you in last week’s article that events were happening quicker than I could type! I had expected a General Election to be called and that to now be in full swing!  I was wrong.  The motion for a General Election was defeated again.  I had presumed as the opposition had been calling for one for months and made it very clear they want us removed from office that they would have supported one.  We felt that a General Election was needed, as after 3 (long!) years and over 500 hours...

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Justin Welcomes Positive Employment Figures

    Wages have risen above inflation for the 18th month in a row – news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.   The average weekly wage for employees grew 4% compared to a year earlier, rising 2.1% after inflation. The Resolution Foundation found that the proportion of jobs that are low paid is at the lowest level since 1986, thanks in part to our National Living Wage.   A report published earlier this year by The Resolution Foundation found that low pay cou...

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Justin Visits Draycott Sports Camp To Meet Inspirational Oscar

     North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has praised the inclusivity of Draycott Sports Camp following a recent visit.   Draycott Sports Camp runs activities throughout the summer holidays to provide childcare and help keep children active and engaged during the school break. Last week Justin met with owner Mark Draycott for a catch up and to see the sport camp in action.   While at the sport camp, Justin met Oscar – a little boy with Down’s Syndrome and a pacemaker in his abdomen t...

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Justin Visits The Salamander Project

      North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson watched members of Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group transform into firefighters at the Salamander Project Pass Out Parade.   The Salamander Project is a collaboration between the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service and Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group, which sees young people with Down's Syndrome participate in a five-day long course with local firefighters, police officers and paramedics.   The course aims to help develop confidence a...

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Justin Praises The Work Of The Olive Tree Cafe

    North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson has praised the work of a Swindon café which supports people with mental health issues, or those who are at risk of mental health issues.   The Olive Tree Café is a social enterprise based in the Manor Garden Centre, which aims to support people experiencing mental health issues by providing meaningful job opportunities to build their confidence and self-esteem.   Justin has been a long-time supporter of the café and regularly visits them to c...

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Justin Welcomes Step Out Swindon To The Community Office

  North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson opened up his community office to Step Out Swindon for a Walk Leader training session.   Step Out Swindon is a volunteer led scheme which aims to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of walking and socialising within a group. Working alongside Walking for Health – a national organisation – the group runs nine walks across Swindon and has 500 people registered with its schemes.   The group used Justin’s office to train volunteers to lead he...

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Justin Welcomes Blue Badges For Non-Visible Disabilities

       People with non-visible disabilities will now be able to benefit from the Blue Badge Scheme, thanks to changes announced by North Swindon MP and Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson.   The Department for Transport has issued new guidance to council’s in England which expands the Blue Badge criteria to include people with non-visible disabilities such as autism, anxiety, dementia, arthritis and Parkinson’s. The changes aim to make it easier for people who find walki...

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