Last week I was pleased to be able to speak in the debate on the most recent Autumn Statement.
Prior to the Autumn Statement I made it clear to the Government that I expected them to honour our commitment to the Triple Lock for Pensioners and the uplifting of benefits in line with inflation. I was also pleased to be able to co-sign a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to support an increase in education funding by £2.3 billion.
I was therefore pleased that these formed part of the measures within the statement.
However, my contribution to the debate gave me the opportunity to raise the importance of the many small and medium sized businesses which form the backbone of our local economy across my Aldridge-Brownhills constituency.
I also took the opportunity to name check some of them and the contribution they make to our economy – Brownhills Glass Company, GJF Fabrications, JC Payne and Imperial Bathrooms amongst them.
Whilst I want to see our economy flourish with increased levels of funding for research and innovation and a transition towards a focus on Silicon Valley, we must not lose sight of our manufacturers and small businesses who also need to benefit from Government support.
To read my full contribution follow the link here.