Alison McGovern: We need a plan for jobs and growth to get economy moving again

Nov 23 2011 by Val Woan, Bromborough and Bebington News

THIS is a worrying time for families.

Constituents have told me recently how they are struggling with higher food prices and gas bills. They are worried about their jobs and children’s futures.

The other week we found out that unemployment amongst young people in South Wirral shot up by 143% in nine months.

Last week, unemployment nationally reached its highest level since 1994 – the last time the Tories were in Government.

Unemployment is the human cost of George Osborne’s austerity plan for the economy.

We are paying too much out in unemployment benefits, and not getting enough back in taxes.

Our economy has flatlined for the last 12 months. The slower growth and higher unemployment his policies have delivered mean the government will have to borrow £46 billion more than they had planned.

It needn’t be like this. We need a real plan for jobs and growth to get our economy moving again and help get the deficit down in a steadier, more balanced way.

Labour has set out a clear five-point plan to create jobs, help struggling families and support small businesses. Our jobs plan includes tax breaks for small businesses taking on extra workers, a temporary VAT cut which would give families a boost of around £450 and tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people, who would build 25,000 more affordable houses.

We often get told we are all in this together. But I wonder if David Cameron and George Osborne really understand how tough it is for Wirral people and businesses. They should stop sitting on their hands, adopt Labour’s plan, and get Britain’s economy growing again.