Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has lobbied to secure increased funding for Medway’s council services, including additional funds for social care, from the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Kelly has been involved in a series of meetings with Housing Secretary Sajid Javid MP to lobby Medway’s need for extra support with social care. This has been an important priority for the Rochester and Strood MP since her election in 2015.

Medway will now be able to benefit from an additional £0.6m grant for adult social care taking the total funding to over £14m for the next financial year. Medway will also be one of 10 new business retention rates pilot areas, allowing Medway Council to retain 100% of the rates which will offer an extra £25m.

The additional funding for adult social care will be greatly welcome for Medway Council and the many residents who rely on the vital services it provides.

Kelly Tolhurst MP said,

“This is wonderful news for Medway and a huge boost to our enormously important services such as adult social care where pressure has been building.

“A lot of work has gone into securing this funding and I am glad our government has recognised where this extra money is needed, particularly to meet our growing local social care needs.

“I am delighted local government funding is on the rise and this is a great example of our democracy and government working for local people who have had their voices heard.”

The overall funding increases comes contrary to the belief that the government is continuing to cut local government and adult social care funding.