George Osborne recently announced the positive news of improved economic growth and employment. Our long term economic plan is helping to restore growth and stability, but there is more we need to do to secure the recovery.
In his budget there were a variety of proposals which affect all us of differently, so below I have summarised them in various interviews for anyone to watch.
Business
With over 3,400 businesses in the constituency, they make up a critical element of our community. Having visited many of them I have heard first-hand many positive stories of growth and development however there still is a need to improve exports and help for small businesses. To find out how the budget helps businesses, please see my interview on youtube http://youtu.be/5hO7IYNEzds or here on the website http://damiancollins.com/blog/2014/04/how-the-budget-helps-businesses/.
Pensions
As those who have contributed throughout their lives serving our nation it is important that we make sure those who retire are treated properly. By reforming the way ISAs and the pension system works this budget will help support pensioners. For more details on these reforms please see my interview on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBUUIkOu4Yg or here on the website http://damiancollins.com/blog/2014/04/how-the-budget-helps-pensioners/.
Young People
Youth unemployment has fallen by 1.1% to 6.5% since the last General Election. Whilst this is good news it still remains too high, which is why the Government has continued to support the apprenticeships scheme. For more details on how the apprenticeships scheme is helping young people please see my interview on youtube http://youtu.be/hsrxwSTseXg or here on the website http://damiancollins.com/blog/2014/04/how-the-budget-helps-young-people/.
Families
Childcare, taxes, and savings are all areas where families’ budgets are being squeezed. To hear how the Government is helping ease these pressures watch my interview on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtLUtMf1TEc or here on the website http://damiancollins.com/blog/2014/04/how-the-budget-helps-families/.
Help to Buy
Now that the economy is growing and house prices are increasing again it is important to help first-time buyers get a foot on the property ladder. This scheme is designed for people who can afford the monthly payments but just cannot save enough for the large 20% deposits. For more on this scheme see my interview on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO91V1yhh7g or here on the website http://damiancollins.com/blog/2014/04/how-the-help-to-buy-scheme-works/.
To have your say on how the budget will affect you or if you have any questions regarding the budget, please contact me via the get in touch page.