REGIONAL CABINET MUST LISTEN TO DEVON
February 4, 2010 4:29 PM
Devon's Liberal Democrat MPs are calling on the Government to listen to the real concerns of people in Devon ahead of the Regional Cabinet Meeting in Exeter on Friday. MPs Nick Harvey, Adrian Sanders and Richard Younger-Ross have accused the Government of ignoring major problems in the South West such as the prevalence of low wage jobs, the lack of opportunities for young people and high water bills.
The MPs are urging Ministers to take a number of straightforward steps to address the historically poor deal Government has given the region, including reducing the rate of tax for low paid workers, giving tax breaks to the tourist industry as in France and Germany as well as targeting investment to local businesses.
North Devon MP Nick Harvey says: "Our region faces a variety of critical issues, including youth unemployment, a lack of affordable housing and rising water bills, despite having the lowest incomes in England. All of these merit serious attention from the Cabinet, and I sincerely hope they will take this opportunity to address the needs of the region hosting their meeting."
Adrian Sanders added: "The Government must act to dispel the widely held perception that regions like the South West have been dealt a poor deal under Labour. We need to see a better deal for pensioners, action to reduce fuel and water bills and progress on urgently needed infrastructure projects."
Teign MP Richard Younger-Ross observed, "It is important Ministers look at some of the key issues facing the region. The Transport Minister must be advised of the necessary improvements that need to be carried out to the rail service between Waterloo and Exeter, and the excellent work that Network Rail are doing to keep the line open along the Dawlish to Teignmouth sea wall. On roads there are difficulties and improvements are required on the A30/A303 roads to enable better communication and open up a main secondary route into the county.
On education I would invite the Minister for Education to visit Devon schools and see how the lack of fair funding impacts upon the workload of teachers and shortages for pupils, and finally I would invite the Minister of State for Care Services to look at care homes and learn of the County's concerns over inadequate funding to provide the necessary resources for nursing homes."
Adrian and Richard highlighted the need to proceed with the Kingskerswell Bypass to boost the South Devon economy.
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