Our National Living Wage increase will come into effect from the 1st of April, providing millions of workers with a pay rise of at least 9.7 per cent as we continue to tackle the cost of living.

Despite turbulent global economic conditions, our labour market has remained strong and unemployment low – so it is right that we support workers where possible. That is why we have announced that our National Living Wage increase will come into effect from 1 April, rising 9.7 per cent for those aged 23 and over, 10.9 per cent for 21 and 22-year-olds, and 9.7 per cent for younger workers and apprentices. This change is the largest ever cash increase in the National Living Wage – boosting the pay for millions of workers.

New funding for the land South East Of Athelstan House in Bodmin to transform youth facilities and give young people the opportunity to develop vital skills for life. £400,000 has been announced by the Conservative Government, directed to Bodmin as part of the Youth Investment Fund which aims to create, expand and improve local youth facilities and their services, to help drive positive outcomes for young people. Across the country the Youth Investment Fund will see the number of young people accessing regular, positive activities by 45,000 per year, supporting their wellbeing, giving them opportunities to develop vital skills for life and empowering them to be active members of their local community.

Recently, I met with actress Jane Horrocks, Marie Curie Healthcare Assistant Danielle Cobb and members of the Marie Curie Policy team at an event in Westminster. I’m proud to be supporting the Great Daffodil Appeal because everyone should have the best possible care and support at the end of life and Marie Curie is on a mission to deliver that.

Donating to Marie Curie means that their nurses and bereavement counsellors can continue to deliver much needed support not only to those at the end of life but also to those left behind. Since 1986 the Great Daffodil Appeal has been Marie Curie’s flagship fundraising campaign, symbolised by the iconic daffodil pin.