Northamptonshire Liberal Democrats have welcomed measures to boost growth announced by the Government today.
Cllr Brendan Glynane, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition at County Hall said “There is no doubt we are in tough times. The economic crisis left behind by Labour has been worsened by the Eurozone crisis, caused by an inability of European countries to meet their debts. There is no doubt that we need to tackle the deficit, but it is also crucial that we boost growth.”
“Today’s announcements show the influence of the Liberal Democrats in Government. One million low-earners will be taken out of tax, a key Liberal Democrat policy. Nick Clegg announced the £1bn Youth Contract last week, benefitting 3830 youngsters in Northamptonshire. This is crucial to tackle youth unemployment, which has been rising for a decade and must be stopped.”
“In terms of boosting growth, the new infrastructure fund of up to £30bn, using private pension funds was a proposal from Vince Cable pushed by the Liberal Democrats, initially resisted by the Conservatives. Growth is crucial, and projects like the A14 improvements in Kettering will benefit people here in Northamptonshire. There will also be an extra £1bn for the Regional Growth Fund, another Liberal Democrat idea in action.”
“What is clear is that the Liberal Democrats in Government are doing everything they can to protect the poorest. Nick Clegg has won several battles – including the new extra provision of childcare places for disadvantaged two year olds, which will benefit 1700 children here in Northamptonshire. Benefits will be increased by 5.2%, and the pension triple lock, another key Liberal Democrat policy, means that pensioners will get their biggest ever cash rise from the state pension. Finally the banks are being made to contribute more through the banking levy being increased – again a key Liberal Democrat policy.”
“There is no doubt that the country is in a tough position – but the Liberal Democrats in Government are pushing for growth and protecting the vulnerable in tackling Labour’s disastrous economic legacy.”
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