Polly has welcomed the announcement of major new government funding as part of a £1.2 billion upgrade fund for public infrastructure.

As part of the programme of investment, Charles Dickens School and Upton Junior School (both in Broadstairs) will benefit from part of a £20.6 million Condition Improvement Fund for the South East. Upton will be using the money to replace a failing foul water drainage system, while Charles Dickens is refurbishing its roof.

Meanwhile, East Kent Hospitals are set to receive funding of £13.2 million for QEQM and William Harvey hospitals, to carry out works to electrical and water systems, plant equipment and roof works. Projects will be delivered during the 2025 to 2026 financial year, with the first upgrades expected to begin this summer.

The announcement followed a separate funding announcement of £1.8 million for QEQM maternity unit to develop plans for key upgrades to the unit.

Polly said:

Children in East Thanet deserve more than to have to learn from dilapidated classrooms and crumbling schools, which is why I’m so pleased that after years of neglect we have a Labour government that is investing in education again.

 

With free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs, and now safer school buildings, Labour is backing parents and ensuring every child gets the best start in life, and not just the privileged few.

 

Meanwhile, after years of neglect, staff and patients in Thanet have been left in crumbling buildings that are in desperate need of refurbishment. That situation needed urgent action, so I’m really pleased to see our new Labour government delivering £13 million for East Kent hospitals, including vital upgrades at William Harvey and QEQM Hospitals. This is a major step towards getting more patients seen and getting our NHS in Thanet fighting fit again.