Julian urged the Prime Minister to give further Government support for the Skipton flood alleviation scheme to allow more space f firms in Skipton to grow and create jobs.
During the exchange the Prime Minister highlighted the significant falls in unemployment seen by the town.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Julian Smith MP said:
“Youth unemployment in Skipton is down by over 70% since 2010. City Growth Deal funding for the Skipton flood alleviation scheme will unlock a further 500 jobs. Is there anything the Prime Minister can do to make that happen?”
In response, Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“I will look very carefully at this, because, as my hon. Friend says, not only the claimant count but the long-term youth claimant count has fallen—it has fallen by 50% in his constituency in the last year alone. I know how much his constituents want to see work on the Skipton flood defence project, which is a very high priority for York, North Yorkshire and the East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership. We will make an announcement about this in the coming weeks.”
Following the response, Mr Smith added:
“I am pleased the Prime Minister has promised an update very soon on potential funding for the Skipton flood alleviation scheme. This final £1.2m investment in the £14m scheme is vital not just to protect the town’s homeowners and businesses from flooding but will help unlock growth and jobs through the long term security it brings to a key industrial zone.”
Mr Smith has also written to Cabinet Office Minister Greg Clark MP about the funding – click for a copy of the letter.