A Spring Message ...
Posted by Hilary Armstrong, MP for North West Durham, at 11:27, Tue 28 April 2009:
Hello,
For those of you who have joined since my first email I would like to thank you for signing up on Hear From Your MP and indicating you would like to hear from me as your local Member of Parliament. For those original subscribers - welcome to my second message.
Firstly I wanted to let you know I have just had my website redesigned and fully updated – it was in need of a lick of paint! It has a new, streamlined lay out which allows you to find things easier and will now be regularly updated with the latest news and events. It’s the same address as the old one so please feel free to visit www.hilaryarmstrong.com.
As you know the country is going through a difficult economic downturn at the moment which is having negative impact on people’s jobs and family budgets. This problem was not created by this Government; it is a worldwide economic downturn that started in the United Stated and has spread across the globe. So with this in mind last week the Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered his Budget which is about building Britain's future, a Budget for jobs and targeted investment for a stronger recovery. We know that if we don’t act now, it will cost us all more in the long run. I welcome the Budget with its focus on jobs now and jobs in the future. Building on the support already coming through – from an income tax and VAT cut - the measures in the Budget will help us deal with the economic difficulties and support jobs, families, businesses and the environment. We have to have the confidence to invest in the recovery – and not talk Britain down. The Budget contained support for employment, including for Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal, and the offer a guaranteed job, training or work placement for all 18-24 year olds who reach 12 months unemployed. It also contained support for homeowners and homebuyers including with a £600 million funding package of measures to build more homes, and an extension of the stamp duty holiday for all houses costing up to £175,000 until the end of the year.
As always I am keen to hear your views and thoughts on anything from local issues to Durham, to national policy. I am also happy to get involved with any problems you think I as your MP may be able to help with. Please do not hesitate to email me at armstrongh@parliament.uk or contact my constituency office on 01388 767065. I also hold regular surgeries in Consett and Crook.
With my best wishes,
Hilary Armstrong MP
Commenting on this message is now disabled.