 At the Conservative function held at Gorst Hall on August 1st 2009, Barbara Harrison, PPC for Bishop Auckland, gave a speech about what Bishop Auckland needs from its politicians. Below is the speech she gave:
I want to cover three things this evening
What is the biggest current issue for the Bishop Auckland Constituency?
How the future Conservative Government would address this issue
Why I am the best candidate to address issues for Bishop Auckland
Unemployment and its effects on the local economy
There are real long term problems in the Bishop Auckland constituency, where very large numbers are claiming incapacity benefits and around 40% of the working age population are dependent on benefits.
Many factories have closed and others have cut back substantially we have rising numbers of young people without jobs.
This recession is impacting many families within the Bishop Auckland Constituency and the seeds for future growth have not even been sown yet ,and clearly not produced green shoots.
Small businesses are struggling and it is common to see empty shops in the high streets of this constituency.
The public sector employs a high percentage of those that are in employment and people working in the public sector are concerned about possible cuts in public spending.
The truth is that the bills of rising unemployment and the huge interest costs of a soaring national debt mean that many government departments will face budget cuts under either Labour or the Conservatives.
This Government is predicted to borrow £175 billion this year, or over 12 per cent of GDP – the worst since the war.
Government spending on debt interest will reach £43 billion in 2010/11.
We need to be honest with the public that we face a debt crisis, and that existing plans show that real spending will have to be cut, whoever is elected. The truth is that the bills of rising unemployment and the huge interest costs of a soaring national debt mean that many government departments will face budget cuts under either Labour or the Conservatives.
The Conservatives have not set out plans for individual departments, not least because the Government has irresponsibly abandoned its spending review to avoid setting out the cuts Labour will have to make. What we have always said is that we will maintain real growth in health spending and honour our pledge on international aid.
Five Conservative measures to help victims of the recession
· A big, bold and simple National Loan Guarantee Scheme to help get credit flowing and save jobs.
· A two year Council Tax freeze, worth over £200 for the typical family.
· Tax breaks for companies which create new jobs, and cuts in National Insurance and Corporation Tax for all small companies.
· Up to £6,500 worth of energy efficiency improvements for every household, saving energy and reducing bills.
· Abolish stamp duty for nine out of ten first-time buyers
I have worked in the Public sector for almost 25 years and have a good understanding of how cuts can be made without directly effecting front line services.
I have lived in this constituency most of my life and understand the people and the issues effecting people.
I really want to see positive change in the Bishop Auckland area I feel the present government has let down Bishop Auckland and the North East generally and I am passionate about addressing this inequality.
I encourage people to contact me and am not only willing to listen but will take action when it is needed.
7th August 2009 | 
