Looking ahead
Posted by Andrew Jones, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, at 14:48, Tue 4 January 2011:
Happy New Year to 'Hear from your MP' subscribers.
Although I had some time off over Christmas it was still busy visiting the post sorting office, turning on the hospital lights and drawing the hospital radio Christmas raffle in addition to many other engagements and working with constituents on issues they raise with me.
As we enter the new year, our economic position remains difficult. Representatives at all levels of government need to remember that, whatever financial decisions have and are to be taken, those most vulnerable among us are particularly nervous about what the future might hold.
It is these people who we need to protect. We need to get maximum value out of every pound spent on public services. We need to look after those least able to fend for themselves. I believe that is one of the ways we demonstrate we are a decent society, and it is one of my priorities for entering politics in the first place.
The outlook for 2011 is though, improved. The UK’s credit rating, which had previously been at risk, has been secured. We are now seen as part of the solution to the global economic crisis – able to loan money (repayable with interest) to Ireland and bolster our £7bn trading profit with them. We have embarked on the difficult course of achieving balance in the government’s finances, so that by the end of the parliament income and expenditure are matched and we stop getting further into debt.
2011 will be difficult but I am hopeful that it will show that the country has turned away from the economic cliff edge.
Andrew Jones andrew.jones.mp@parliament.uk 01423 529614
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Posted by Conor McKenzie, 15:28, Tue 4 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Andrew, well done - keep up the good work!
I read an article that was on the front page of The Guardian yesterday and it was somewhat related to this - I think you would find it interesting. It is titled 'Welfare bill soars as coalitom counts cost of austerity drive' - I think it's worth a read when you get some free time, search it on their website.
Just a flavour for you and those others who are reading your blog though; it states that more people will be out of work and become financially vulnerable as a result of a rise in VAT to 20% that came into action today.
Ed Miliband claims the rise will cost many families an extra £500 per month and put over 250,000 jobs at risk. Big problems could well lay ahead later this new year.
Posted by Conor McKenzie, 16:29, Tue 4 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
My mistake David, I was meant to say £500 per year, not per month. Really sorry.
Posted by David Graham, 16:39, Tue 4 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
Even so, £500 per month equates to approx £20k p.a spend (i.e £24k incl. VAT). Who are the "many families"? (Yes, I know there a lot of ugly grunt cars and brutish-looking 4x4's and Vans in Harrogate, but H-gate isn't a normal place)
Posted by David Graham, 17:25, Tue 4 January 2011: (Is this post abusive?) #
It's catching. I too meant £500 p.a