- It’s Hurting But It’s Not Working
Medway Labour have expressed dismay at figures announced today which showed that the UK economy shrank by 0.2% over the last quarter.
The government’s failure to manage the economy is causing pain locally, as the number of unemployment benefit claimants continues to rise, particularly amongst young people.
In less then one year, out-of-work benefit claimant counts increased significantly, with Chatham & Aylesford up 11.5%, Rochester & Strood up 9.7% and Gillingham & Rainham up 7.0%.
These figures are well above the national average of 4.2% and reflect the fact the local Conservatives have totally failed to attract inward investment in Medway.
The flagging national economy, coupled with local Tory inaction, means that our high streets are struggling. Only last week we heard that Peacocks and Past Times are the latest in a long line of firms pushed to the brink by the Tory-led Government’s fixation on cuts, which has choked off economic recovery. The collapse of retailers like this is a devastating blow to our local high streets, creating further job uncertainty for those employed in the industry.
This week David Cameron called on unemployed people to just “go out and work”. Many would love to do just that, but with an average of 10 applicants per vacancy here in Medway, it is clear there are simply not enough jobs to go round.
There is a real threat of creating a lost generation of people without jobs.
The government’s ideological budget of ruthless spending cuts is going too far and too fast, and the damage is clear. Local Tories must show that they are taking this issue seriously and stand up for Medway’s people. Medway needs jobs and prospects, not cuts and failures.
To fight this, Labour has set out a clear five-point plan for jobs and growth, to help struggling families and support small businesses. Our plans includes:
1. A £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people and build 25,000 affordable homes
2. Bringing forward long-term investment projects, like new school buildings
3. Temporarily reversing the VAT rise – a £450 boost for families with children
4. A one year cut in VAT to 5% on home improvements and repairs to help small businesses
5. A tax break for every small firm which takes on extra workers
Cllr Vince Maple, Deputy Leader and Finance spokesperson for Medway Labour said,
“George Osborne and David Cameron have cut too far and too and as a direct result we see unemployment in Medway increasing month on month.”
“Local families face real hardships: not only are people struggling to find work, but meanwhile the cost of living rockets, and the government are cutting the support that helps people get back into work.”
“The Government are, choking off the recovery, with no credible plan for growth. Medway people deserve better.”
