Chloe SmithMP for Norwich North
Chloe SmithChloe Smith, Member of Parliament for Norwich North, will join the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) on Thursday 5 March 2015 to celebrate the Government grant awarded to air ambulance charities from the Libor banking fine fund.
The fines were levied on banks manipulating the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) financial benchmark.
Air ambulance charities across the country are to receive grants from the Government of £250,000 each from the banking fine fund. The EAAA Norfolk base is situated within Chloe’s constituency and the charity plans to spend this grant money on extending its training facilities for its clinical teams.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced on Friday 30 January 2015 that this significant injection of funds would become available to air ambulance charities. The Chancellor’s announcement follows his pledge in December 2014 that all proceeds from LIBOR fines would be spent during this parliament on military and blue light causes.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne said: “It is absolutely right that we use funds from those who demonstrated the worst values to reward those who demonstrate the best."
Chloe will also be supporting the EAAA in their second application to the Chancellor for £1.6m to help fund a second new and more capable helicopter, to be based in Norwich.
Patrick Peal, Chief Executive, EAAA said “We’re very grateful for this significant capital grant which adds to the fantastic support we get from the people of Norfolk and the other counties we serve. This support ensures we’re able to ensure our life-saving emergency medical teams are as well-prepared and well-equipped as possible.”
Chloe comments: "The EAAA is headquartered in north Norwich and is one of our most well-loved local charities. It does an extraordinary job in reaching and transporting people fast. I am pleased that the government has supported them with a grant from the LIBOR funds – that puts money where society needs it from where society was exploited. I 100% support the Air Ambulance’s next effort too."