It is great news to hear that Great Britain is the fastest growing economy in the G7 and there is still plenty to be done but how does that affect us here in Portsmouth?
- Reducing the deficit so we deal with our debts, safeguard our economy for the long term and keep mortgage rates low. There are 58,350 more businesses in the South East Region than in 2010 – a clear sign our long-term plan to secure the economy is working. There is still much to do but we are on the right track. We need to champion local businesses and I am pleased that my Small Business Forum is being well attended and helping many of our retail and shopping areas in Portsmouth and Southsea. Shop local and support them.
2. Cutting income taxes and freezing fuel duty to help hardworking people be more financially secure. An estimated 46,600 people in Portsmouth South have seen their taxes cut since 2010 and 4,849 have been taken out of tax altogether. The Conservative led council has also frozen council tax for 2014/5 which will help everyone.
3. Creating more jobs by backing small business and enterprise with better infrastructure and lower jobs taxes. 263,000 more people employed in the South East Region are now benefiting from the security and stability of being in work than in 2010. The Government is investing in jobs here in Portsmouth and we are working hard to make sure that Portsmouth is not left behind as it was under the last government.
4. Capping welfare and reducing immigration so our economy delivers for people who want to work hard and play by the rules. 1,501 fewer people in Portsmouth South are now relying on unemployment benefit each week than in 2010. The Conservative led city council is looking to make sure that people applying for council accommodation have lived in the area for 5 years so that local people get local housing. Welfare reforms mean that immigrants are no longer entitled to receive benefits immediately when they arrive, they have to work and contribute.
5. Delivering the best schools and skills for young people so the next generation of Portsmouth children can succeed in the global race. £5.7 million is being invested in Portsmouth for new school places. Standards are rising in all our schools and we must make sure that our young people can compete nationally and globally. I have been talking to University Technical College group and encouraging them to set one up in Portsmouth soon which will help develop skills and expertise to fill the jobs that are being created. I am also pleased that 2,930 people have started apprenticeships since 2010 giving them a chance to earn while they get the skills and experience needed. We now need to make sure that more of our young people apply to the top universities and raise academic standards and aspirations.