New £15 million roof repair scheme for places of worship

All places of worship serving Guildford, including churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and synagogues, can now apply for a new £15 million fund available for the repair of roofs and guttering.

The coalition government announced the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund in the Autumn Statement and grants between £10,000 and £100,000 will be available to listed places of worship of all faiths and denominations across the UK, where roof repairs are deemed to be urgent and necessary.

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Kelly-Marie Blundell said: “Places of worship play a huge part in many people’s lives in Guildford and this fund will help ensure some of our most significant buildings remain open as safe and sustainable places in our communities.

“I hope that some of them will be able to take advantage of the extra money available.”

22,870 apprentices in Surrey help hit 2 million goal

It’s been confirmed that the number of apprenticeships created in the UK since 2010 has hit the 2 million mark with 22,870 apprenticeships in Surrey contributing to that goal. The largest ever expansion of apprenticeships is a signature policy of the Liberal Democrats who’ve backed it as a way for young people who don’t want to go to university to gain qualifications at the same time as earning.

This also follows news of Vince Cable announcing a £1 an hour increase in the minimum wage for apprentices.

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Guildford, Kelly-Marie Blundell commented:

“Apprenticeships are a vital part of building a stronger economy and a fairer society. By ensuring young people are able to earn and learn, we give them the opportunity to get on it life.

“That is why I am delighted young people in Guildford, and across Surrey, have benefited from fantastic training and employment opportunities that apprenticeships offer.

“After finishing one, the majority of apprentices (85%) will stay in work, with two-thirds staying with the same employer.

“I’ve seen for myself in businesses across Guildford the benefit apprenticeships can give to young people and I’m delighted that over two million young people across England have been able to take advantage.”

If you’re interested in being an apprentice or if you know any young people who might be interested in one then visit the national apprenticeship website here.

£26.8 million boost for disadvantaged Surrey pupils

Lib Dems in government have announced disadvantaged primary school pupils in Surrey are going to receive £26.8 million to boost attainment.

This is an increase in pupil premium funding for 2015/16 which will help teachers support those children at most risk of falling behind their classmates.

So every primary school in Surrey, like Queen Eleanor’s in Onslow, will receive £1,320 for every pupil who has registered for free school meals at any time in the last six years.

This was a key Lib Dem policy in our 2010 general election manifesto and the evidence shows raising the attainment of pupils by the end of primary schools has a direct impact on future exam results.

As Kelly-Marie Blundell, our Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Guildford, says:

“Every child should be able to reach their full potential, whatever their background.

“The pupil premium will get extra money to schools in Surrey, targeted at the children who need it most.  The whole class benefits when fewer children are struggling.

“Teachers in Surrey do a great job, and I can’t wait to see how they use this additional funding to help all our children and young people succeed.”