Ill-prepared (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Ill-prepared

11:29am Friday 5th February 2010

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Sir, – Gordon Brown left Britain’s economy ill-prepared: he borrowed in a boom and left us with one of the biggest budget deficits in the advanced world.

During the recession Teesside has been hit hard and jobs are sparse. It’s strange then that our MPs’ claim to be doing everything in their power to keep local jobs while Labour appear to be putting the boot into our existing businesses through taxation.

The proposed increases in National Insurance are little more than a direct tax on jobs.

If that wasn’t enough, it’s emerged the Labour Party itself is close to bankruptcy. If it can’t keep its own house in order what hope for the country?

The Conservatives have proposed various measures to help get businesses thriving again.

We have promised to cut the main rate of corporation tax and the small companies’ rate.

We will give small and mediumsized businesses a six-month VAT holiday, and we will cut National Insurance by one per cent for six months for firms with fewer than five employees.

The Tees Valley has always had a worldwide reputation for industry, but with recent developments this is being destroyed.

Come the election, people will have to decide if they want to continue to walk in the wilderness or whether they want to change the area for the better.

JAMES WHARTON Conservative Parliamentary candidate, Stockton South.

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