North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has welcomed the positive news regarding the Government’s work to support people in Swindon and across the South West.
Since coming to power in 2010, the Conservatives have worked to strengthen the economy, give people greater personal choice and improve public services. Despite the legacy we inherited, we are seeing huge success stories locally, as residents benefit from the Government’s work.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “As the MP for North Swindon, I work tirelessly to raise the concerns of fellow local residents directly with Ministers, and to ensure that local residents benefit from the steps the Government takes. Whether it’s cutting taxes, investing in health & education, building vital new infrastructure including roads & homes, or supporting our excellent charities & voluntary groups, I am actively promoting Swindon. It isn’t therefore a surprise that we are a town on the up!”
Below are just some of the positive things happening in the South West
We are creating more jobs in the South West
- Employment is up in the South West by 214,000 since 2010. That’s 214,000 more people who are earning a regular wage and are better able to provide for their families.
- Unemployment is down in the South West by 31% since 2010 and by a staggering 62% in Swindon. That’s fewer people out of work and more who now can get on in life and have the confidence to plan for the future.
- In 2016 there were 94,865 more small businesses in the South West compared to 2010 – providing more people with the safety and security of work. We are backing businesses and creating jobs.
We are cutting tax so families are more financially secure
- 4 million more people have more money to take home each month because we have cut their income tax. The typical taxpayer is better off by £905 and 56,000 people will have been taken out of income tax altogether by April 2017.
- Freezing fuel duty saving drivers in the South West money at the fuel pump. Freezing fuel duty for the seventh successive year, which will save the average driver in the South West £10 every time they fill up the car.
We are helping young people get the skills they need to succeed
- 54,160 apprenticeships started in the South West in 2015/16– meaning thousands of young people can gain the skills they need to get on in life.
- We are providing over £189 million in education funding for disadvantaged children in the South West – so they can get a decent start in life
We are securing the best healthcare in the South West
- There are now 894 more hospital doctors looking after patients in the South West than under Labour, including more than 100 more in Swindon, ensuring that people receive the care they deserve.
We are investing in the South West
- Investing up to £191 million to boost productivity and promote growth and jobs across the South West. The government’s significant investment in infrastructure will result in an increase of £191 million to Local Enterprise Partnerships in the South West.
- Protecting more homes with £20 million to reduce flood risk.
- Boosting important causes in South West with the money from LIBOR fines. The Government will use LIBOR fines to provide £7.6 million funding for a range of good causes in the South West. They are:
- Sea Sanctuary - £1,720,040
- Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust - £1,000,000
- Devon Air Ambulance Trust - £1,000,000
- Great Western Air Ambulance Charity - £1,000,000
- National Trust – Wellington Monument - £1,000,000
- Wiltshire Air Ambulance Charity - £1,000,000
- Museum of Army Flying - £500,000
- Weymouth Community Volunteers - £101,227
- Swift Medics - £95,065
- Plymouth City Council - £80,000
- Plymouth Merchant Navy Monument Fund - £75,000
- Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity - £49,882
- A pay boost for the people of South West. Increasing the National Minimum Wage by 4.2 per cent from £7.20 to £7.50, which will benefit hard working people across the South West, and increasing National Minimum Wage rates for younger workers.
- Helping people in South West keep more of the money they earn. Increasing the Personal Allowance to £12,500 and the Higher Rate Threshold to £50,000, by 2020-21.
- Boosting science, research and innovation in the South West. Our £2 billion R&D funding package will provide new opportunities to the South West thriving universities and research centres.
