Local MP Maria Miller met with the Basingstoke Business and Enterprise Forum to update them on developments in Westminster and then answer questions from attendees. 

The Basingstoke Business & Enterprise Forum(BBEF) is an organisation providing the opportunity for businesses to meet and give a viewpoint to their MP Maria Miller and other invited guests including Government Ministers. Members include local businesses and organisations.

A wide range of topics were discussed including the spending review and the effects of the Coronavirus on the Economy. 

Maria commented; “ Coronavirus has had significant and wide ranging effects on the economy, local businesses and jobs, alongside health and wellbeing. The Government’s furlough scheme will help the economy to get back on its feet more quickly as restrictions are eased. As a priority we need to focus on how we can get people back into work as quickly as possible. 

“The diverse nature of our local economy here in Basingstoke means we are not dependent on just one sector and are therefore more resilient. I welcome the “ Kickstart scheme” which provides funding to create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding. We must have high expectations for every young person. We need to build an economy of the future, with a vision for good quality jobs.”