EAST Hampshire MP Damian Hinds was in Alton last Thursday, hot foot from the Tory party conference where he said the package of measures proposed would be good for the local area.

On top of increased funding for the NHS, schools and police these are to include:

? Seed-funding to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to bring forward plans to improve services for local patients.

? £5 billion for the rollout of gigabit broadband – though he will be seeking clarity on how in practical terms the new initiative can benefit households and businesses in East Hampshire .

? Improvements to the planning process, making it easier for new homes to be built – welcome in East Hampshire, given the high house price to wage ratio.

? A planned change to the National Living Wage (NLW), with a new target to reach two thirds of median earnings over the next five years and extending it to all workers from the age of 21. 

The NLW is forecast to be £10.50 by 2024, benefiting more than four million workers.

Mr Hinds said: “Climate change has been prominent among fringe events at this year’s conference and I know is a big priority for many people and multiple groups in East Hants. 

“I was pleased to be able to take part in a roundtable with policy makers, businesses, academics and experts, on how and where we need to go further in pursuit of net zero emissions, and also for the opportunity to discuss air quality issues with the British Lung Foundation, and welcome the support for battery technology development.”