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24Oct08

BUSINESSES NEED REAL HELP

The latest Government promise to small business in Stretford and Urmston is a sham. The announcement on the Skills Fund is the latest demonstration of Labour’s return to spin at a time when we are all facing a very real downturn.

Conservative analysis has shown that the Government’s announcement on small business support:

• Contains no new money: The £350 million is already allocated to the Train to Gain fund for small businesses.
• Recycles existing services: Most of the supposedly ‘new’ services for small businesses are already provided under the existing scheme.
• Is just the latest in a line of Labour spin on helping businesses: It follows promises to homeowners struggling with their mortgage repayments, to families facing repossession, and to the unemployed.

Streford and Urmston's Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, Mark Versallion, commented: “At a time when businesses are worrying about cash flow, homeowners are worrying about mortgages, and people are worrying about their jobs, they expect Government to be on their side. But instead of offering real help, Labour ministers are spinning and reannouncing old policies.

That is why the Conservative Party proposes allowing small companies in trouble:

• to delay VAT payments
• cut National Insurance for the smallest businesses,
• and cut small business tax.

“These measures could be implemented immediately and could prevent companies from going bust. This would be real action, this is a real policy. I hope people recognise the government's spin for what it is.” said Councillor Versallion.