The Conservative led government is “helping hard-working people, taking responsible decisions for the long-term benefit of our country and ensuring continued economic recovery”, according to NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Mark Brotherston. Mark made his comments following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Autumn Statement to the House of Commons.
“This government made difficult decisions early in its term of office in order to repair the economy and, as a result, George Osborne has been able to announce some good news today”, Mark observed. “Debt is down, jobs are being created and help is being provided to get new businesses up and running. The government will continue to help hard-working people and get more people into work, by allowing them to earn £10,000 tax free, giving married couples and civil partners a tax break of up to £200 and removing employers’ National Insurance contributions for under 21s.”
“That doesn’t mean that there are no more difficult decisions to take. For instance, we have known for a long time that people are living longer healthier lives, which puts pressure on pensions and the health service. As always, it is left to a Conservative led government to do the sensible thing by tackling this issue, and looking at the state pension age. Other parties bury their heads in the sand, while the Conservatives do the responsible thing for the long-term benefit of our country.”
“Across a whole range of issues: jobs, fuel prices, taxes and economic prospects, life is better under this government than it would have been under Labour. In Northern Ireland we’re receiving an extra £176 million worth of funding, 130,000 couples will be better off thanks to George Osborne’s tax break and the chancellor continues to stop fuel duty rising. We now need to see the Stormont Executive rising to the challenge and doing more to create jobs and prosperity locally.”