As an MP, people often see you when doing televised speeches in Westminster, or supporting public events like opening ceremonies – but the most important and impactful work always takes place ‘behind the scenes’.  

Every day, my team and I help people who are ‘keeping their heads down’ while going through the hardest times of their lives – struggling with core challenges including housing, access to benefits, and debt. We can’t ever quantify the impact of rehousing someone experiencing domestic violence, giving someone access to benefits they’re entitled to, or ending the cycle of debt. 

But these are the type of issues that matter most to my constituents – and so I’m really proud this government is awarding Cornwall Council almost £8-million to tackle poverty – with them having oversight of how best to spend those founds across our communities. This is real money, for real problems people experience in their daily lives.  

Issues of poverty are often interlinked, and related to growth, opportunity, and life chances. The government also plans to make it easier to get into work, which is the clearest exit route out of poverty and into a better future. This will be supported by an extra £2-billion this year, and £8-billion next year for Early Years support, as highlighted by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, and the Early Years Education Minister, during a visit to Naturally Learning in Nansledan last week.

This funding will help us tackle directly the fact that Cornwall still has high levels of deprivation and has a low wage, seasonal economy. Wages are around 80 per cent of the national average – a key reason why some families and children live in poverty.

I am proud of what we’ve already delivered in terms of our £47-million of Shared Prosperity Funding and our £40.7-million boost to local government funding. I am positive about the future of Cornwall and am focused on delivering my election pledges – supporting Jobs and Prosperity; working to fix the Cornish housing crisis, and revitalising our towns.  

I look forward to working collaboratively with Cornwall Council to ensure this money is assigned to the most deserving people within my constituency and spent on the most worthwhile causes with maximum impact.  

I recognise that this is just the start, and we have a long way to go in terms of turning the country around. I want to be realistic that there will be some difficult decisions ahead in the upcoming spending review - in light of the challenging macro environment which we have as the backdrop to this year.  

But let’s not forget the positives – we’re seeing increased wage growth, economic stability, and have the right foundations in place for economic growth and excellent public services.

Noah Law

Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay