The government’s focus during 2012 has quite rightly been the economy, and it will continue to be the priority in 2013. The economy is healing. A million new jobs have been created in the private sector, the deficit has been slashed by a quarter, and inflation and unemployment have both fallen. Our manufacturing industry is also bouncing back: for the first time in living memory, Britain is now a net exporter of cars. This is in part thanks to the excellent work of employees at the Honda and Mini plants right here in Swindon.
There is a great deal more work still to do and some challenging times lie ahead. But the government’s economic policy is working - Britain is seen internationally as a country taking the right decisions. This is why we are able to attract new business and borrow money at very low rates of interest so that we can get the economy growing again.
Here in Swindon, the news is just as encouraging. Our town centre has seen an increase in shoppers, bucking the national trend. A recent survey showed small businesses in Swindon grew by more than 5%, compared to just 1% for the rest of Wiltshire. And Swindon workers contribute a third more value to the local economy than the national average. These are figures we can be rightly proud of.
I’m passionate about ensuring that taxpayers’ money is spent carefully. That’s why I was delighted to have been elected to the Commons Public Accounts Committee. We ensure that when the government spends our money, we get the best possible value. As a former business owner in Swindon myself, I know just how important this is, and I’ll continue to work hard towards that goal in 2013.
With that, I would like to wish everyone a happy new year.
