Labour’s Bob Blizzard- Today’s green Jobs funding protects jobs for the future

-But Tories would cut EEDA and put the recovery at risk
-Labour investing in jobs for the future and green energy

Peter Mandelson has announced £5.5 million in extra funding, to support research and development for companies conducting low carbon research and development across the region.
 
This extra investment, redirected from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness Programme, adds to the support already available to firms in the East of England from the East of England Development Agency (EEDA)

The funding, administered by EEDA, will mean that entrepreneurs and businesses can get funding and grants for their ideas for products, to help them become a reality and become a part of the green energy contribution that the East of England makes to the UK.

However, David Cameron wants to scrap the East of England Development Agency, which is in charge of administrating this money. The Tories would leave the East of England’s businesses without the help that they need to prosper and create high-end jobs.

Bob Blizzard, Labour’s Deputy Minister for the East of England and MP for Waveney said:

“People in Lowestoft know the huge importance of Green jobs for the future.

“This investment means that firms can come up with the ideas that will employ hundreds of people into the future. Investing in clean, green energy will also help to protect our important low-lying communities in the East of England from rising sea levels.

“The fact that the Tories would scrap the body in charge of these grants shows they can’t be trusted to support our economy and create jobs.”

Labour’s Business Secretary, Lord Mandelson said:

“I am certain the Regional Development Agencies are the best way for the Government to deliver real change now and to secure future economic growth throughout the country.

“But don’t just take my word on it, look at the figures. For every £1 the RDA spends, around £4.50 is put back into their region’s economy.”