Julian Ware-Lane, Labour’s Parliamentary
Candidate for Castle Point welcomes £10M of Government Support for East of England
Julian Ware-Lane has today welcomed the announcement from
Government ministers that the East of England’s economy will receive a £10M boost as part of a package of measures assist
the region during the current economic situation.
The global credit crunch and the worldwide surge in food
and fuel costs have impacted on every country in the world and every region of the UK.
Julian is confident that today’s measures- including
£5M to fund loans to start-up businesses- will help people into good jobs locally.
“Today’s announcement includes £10M from the
Treasury to give the regional economy a boost during this time of worldwide economic turbulence.
“More money to fund loans for new businesses will mean
more high-quality local jobs for people in Castle Point. More businesses start up in the East of England than anywhere else
in the UK, so we are in good shape to get through these economic challenges.
“But I know families are feeling the pinch when going
to the supermarket for their weekly shopping or filling up the car. That is why Labour has cut taxes for families on middle
and low incomes this year- whereas the Tories don’t even agree with tax credits and won’t take the decisions that
we need to help people in Castle Point.
“Labour will keep making the tough decisions to get
us through this difficult worldwide economic time, unlike the Tories, who would ignore regional action to help people in places
like Castle Point to get on in life. “
Councillor Wilson stupefied at 42% rise
in allowances
Stupefied is the only way to describe Councillor Wilson's response to
the rise in allowances recently approved by the Conservative-controlled Castle Point Borough Council.
The rise, a whopping 42%, will be a slap in the face for tax payers who
are seeing the beginnings of economic unrest.
"We were told there was no money to replace play equipment in a children's
playground, so how can this increase be justified" asked Councillor Brian Wilson. "We our residents are struggling to pay
bills and services are being cut then the council should be showing restraint."
"Over half of this rise is as a direct result of the introduction of the
cabinet system, which got approved after a shambles of a consultation and a paltry response. I bet our residents didn't expect
this" added Brian.
St.Mary's councillor Brian Wilson voted for a re-think on the increase,
acutely aware that this will not be seen with favour in the local community. Above-inflation rises when everyone else is faced
with a difficult time ahead is not showing any empathy with those who elected them. Had this come to light before the May
elections then things could have been different at the ballot box – the next elections for the council are not until
2010. Perhaps the ruling administration is relying on short memories.
"We should be paying our councillors the going rate for the job" said
Julian Ware-Lane, Labour's Parliamentary candidate for Castle Point "but the timing is very poor. Surely common sense would
have dictated a delay on this."
Julian added: "I applaud both Brian Wilson and the Canvey Independents
for voting against this. I hope the Conservative administration sees sense and reverses this decision post haste."
