Patrick Hurley calls on the Government to provide Fair Funding for Southport

LABOUR MP Patrick Hurley has welcomed the Government's pledge to put tackling deprivation at the heart of new Council funding; and has vowed to campaign for fair funding for Southport.

With new changes announced by the Labour Government, Councils will be funded more fairly based on the latest deprivation data and local need, fixing the outdated system left by the Tories.

Under the Tories, an outdated Council funding system based on decades-old data entrenched inequality; leaving some Councils on a financial cliff edge and communities in deprived areas facing crumbling services, cuts and rising bills.

Meanwhile, Councils in less deprived areas have benefited disproportionately, building up reserves while others struggled to cope.

The changes announced by the Labour Government reverse this injustice and ensure Councils will be funded fairly, based on the latest deprivation data and local need, so that communities with the highest demands get the public services they rightly deserve.

Announcing the changes, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, said:- "This Labour Government is reforming the funding system that led to Regional divides, postcode lotteries, and substandard public services for too many people. Our changes will make sure cash going to Councils is shared out in a fairer way that follows needs. We want every family to benefit from our Plan for Change, and fairer funding means people will soon be able to see and feel the difference in their own local area."

Welcoming the reforms to Council funding, Patrick Hurley said:- "For too long under the Tories, areas like Southport were left behind and less likely to get essential funding for our local services. By putting local need at the heart of new Council funding, the Labour Government is righting that wrong and fixing the outdated system. I'll be campaigning to ensure Southport is heard and gets the funding it deserves; so we can deliver real-life improvements across our area."

Southport firm's Christmas night out raises £20,000 for Queenscourt Hospice with glittering Strictly event

FLEET footed fundraisers at EFT Group in Southport have staged their very own EFT Strictly event to raise thousands of pounds for Queenscourt Hospice!

The spectacular sequined evening took place at the Prince Of Wales Hotel in Southport. 12 EFT team members took part to raise funds while being cheered on by their work colleagues as they celebrated their Christmas extravaganza.

The evening has raised an impressive £20,000 for Queenscourt Hospice, supporting this vital charity to deliver exceptional care for local people with life limiting Illnesses across West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.

EFT Strictly was sponsored by Kaizen and by Ion Group, ensuring that every penny raised went to Queenscourt Hospice.

Worthy winners taking home the 1st ever EFT Strictly trophy were Nigel Myers and pro dancer Amy Clayton.

The event was hosted by Hayley Jones from Queenscourt Hospice.

The judges giving out scores were:- Alex Toal, Kelly Bond, Ruffles and Jim Briscoe.

Performers have been put through their paces over the past few months by Kaz Leach and her team at Marshside School of Dance, as they motivated them all to:- 'keep dancing.'

An EFT Group spokesperson said:- "We have wholeheartedly supported Queenscourt for the last few years. Some of the highlights include EFT Group being 1 of main sponsors for their Star Trekk Walk in Southport and raising thousands of pounds doing Group events through the EFT Foundation such as the EFT Darts Masters. Last year our CEO Adam Watts took part in Strictly for Queenscourt and he enjoyed the experience so much that he wanted us to stage our very own EFT Strictly! So, 12 EFT colleagues stepped up and out of their comfort zones to take to the dancefloor. Months of training was put in by our dancers. The EFT team then came together to support their colleagues on the dancefloor whilst enjoying a Christmas extravaganza! It was an absolutely incredible night that raised £20,000 for Queenscourt Hospice. We'd also like to thank Kaz Leach from Marshside School Of Dance. Behind the scenes, training and choreographing the dancers, Kaz has been an absolute asset for this event and we have been so lucky to have her. We'd also like to thank our sponsors for the night, Kaizen and Ion Group. With their support, we've been able to make sure that all money raised at the event goes to help ensure that Queenscourt Hospice can continue to support our local community. At the heart of all this, we are the EFT family and we make this happen. Let's make this continue for a great cause for many years to come."

Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley said:- "On behalf of Queenscourt Hospice; just wow! What an unforgettable night. What a special group of people you are at EFT Group. What a fantastic organisation. Working with Jordan, and working with Adam, Kyla, Adele, and the team, the dancers, and everyone taking part was fabulous, while everyone watching brought the vibes. You don't get that everywhere! I hope everyone there enjoyed the night, and enjoyed the special bond that they have got. This event was about the people who can't thank you for themselves. So on behalf of those people; thank you all."

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