In the grand scheme of things, the Tory Government’s announcement today, at the start of their annual conference, of a £20m handout over the next ‘10 years’ seems nothing more than a political gimmick and a pitiful attempt to win a few headlines.

It’s crucial to remember that over the last decade, this same government has slashed over £400m from our council budget in North East Lincolnshire, leading to devastating effects on our communities and essential public services!

Given the £7m deficit that has emerged in the council’s spending plans just within the first 13 weeks, this £20m ‘support’ feels like throwing a pebble into the Humber, expecting it to make a meaningful impact in Hull.