Coverage of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has understandably focused on the headline-grabbing measures, especially the welcome cut in stamp duty for homebuyers.

However there was an announcement on the fringes of the main statement that will be particularly significant for Swindon. The Government has said it will be making almost £1m available for projects to try and prevent the awful flooding we’ve seen in parts of our town in recent years. It’s part of a package of measures totalling £2.3bn across the country.

One of the projects is in Covingham and Dorcan, and will cost more than a half a million pounds. The second is in Wanborough and is worth nearly £400,000. About a hundred homes will be protected by the projects, but the wider economic benefit will be much more. Protection for surrounding roads is estimated to be worth £8m to the local economy.

Along with parish councils and Swindon Borough Council, I’ve been lobbying the Government about the need for flood protection for some time, so I’m pleased this has come about. Work is scheduled to start in 2016 and the exact details are still to be decided, but this is a very welcome announcement. Swindon Council has also committed significant funds to drainage work and other flood protection measures, so taken together it adds up to a substantial investment.

Another part of the Government’s announcement will see further financial support for residents and businesses who suffered flooding last winter. Ministers are extending the eligibility period for certain projects. These include the Council Tax Relief, Business Rates Relief, Severe Weather Recovery and Business Support Schemes. These are welcome measures, and I will continue to fight for further investment in Swindon.

Another example of the way we’re attracting significant funding will be very much in the spotlight tomorrow. Prince Andrew will be in Swindon to officially open the new University Technical College. The Duke of York will meet students, staff and managers and then have a tour of the building. The UTC is a new concept in education, providing real, hands-on training and building a bridge between students and future employers.

I’d like to echo the words of UTC’s principal Angela Barker-Dench, who has described the official opening as “a milestone in the town’s heritage.” How true. It combines our proud history in innovation and engineering with the promise of a bright future for our younger generations. This combination is reflected perfectly in the sympathetic way the brand new facilities have incorporated the historic Old School and Water Towers. I hope it will be a spark for further regeneration in this area. It is yet another reason to be optimistic about Swindon’s future.