The number one issue on every one's minds in Harlow is the economy.

Helping to bringing jobs back to our town has to be my main priority this year, as local MP.

Because Gordon Brown almost bankrupted our economy in that Government was spending much more money, than was collected, we are living in very
difficult times. We are currently spending £120 million a day in debt interest alone - an obscene amount of money that could, and should, be spent on public services or cutting taxes.

Nevertheless, all is not doom and gloom. Because of the Government measures to grow the economy, including cuts to business taxes, the latest figures show a steady drop in unemployment in our town.

At the peak of the recession, about 3000 people were forced onto Jobseeker's Allowance. Thankfully that number has fallen now to about 2500.

But we need to do a lot more.

That is why I recently met with the Prime Minister, and asked him to reduce petrol taxes, as the high fuel cost is hurting many local small firms and taxi-companies.

I also back the Government's plan for 100,000 extra apprenticeships and
lower business taxes.

There is some good news on income tax, as the Government will increase the threshold of the basic rate by £1000 a year in April. This will save the
average Harlow worker £170 a year.

Step by step - albeit slowly - our economy is starting to turn the corner. It is a painful process, as many Harlow companies are still having difficulties. But just last week, we heard that scores of new jobs are to be created at our local Comet, the electrical store. The firm has announced
that it will create up to 80 new positions at its Edinburgh Way site.

Harlow is open for business once again.

P.S. I meet regularly with small companies from the town, along with the Essex Federation of Small Businesses, and Harlow Chamber of Commerce to
better understand the problems Harlow firms face and to see how I can try and help. Last week, for example, I visited the excellent Harlow Greenway Business Centre and met a number of local small businesses. It is so encouraging to see the success and entreprenurial can do that represents the real spirit of Harlow.

If you are interested in coming along, please email me at :
halfon4harlow@roberthalfon.com. You can also catch up with my work in Parliament through my blog, roberthalfon.blogspot.com or
www.roberthalfon.com

Posted By Blogger to Rob's Blog at 2/24/2011 11:42:00 PM