Speaking to contisutents of Bethanl Green and Bow Propspective Parliametary Candidate Matt Smith said: “New Year is a time for looking ahead, making plans and starting afresh”.
“It is also a time to reflect on what the people of Bethnal Green and Bow have achieved since 2010”.
“Together we have achieved a great deal for our Constituency”.
“There are now 2,181 fewer people claiming Job Seeker’s Allowance in Bethnal Green and Bow than in 2010. This 43% fall means more of our people enjoy the security of a good job and a pay packet”.
“Since 2010, 3,010 new apprenticeships have been commenced locally”.
“And 51% of our small businesses start-ups in Bethnal Green and Bow took place in the last three years”.
“This hard work is filtering through to our High Streets too”.
“Since the third quarter of 2013 in Bethnal Green and Bow consumer spending increased by 8% and small businesses in the retail sector saw an 18% growth in turnover”.
“Over the same period, overall turnover for our small businesses locally increased by 14%, more than twice the national average”.
“This is benefiting the hard working people of Bethnal Green and Bow with people under 30 seeing one of the biggest increases in spending”.
“Significantly, the largest change in spending across all income bands came from those earning under £15,000 a year”.
“Furthermore, across our area, personal savings are up 14% over the last year, more than the regional and national average”.
“The political debate in Tower Hamlets is as ever intense, which is as it should be”.
“However when considering which party should represent them in Parliament after 7 May 2015, the people of Bethnal Green and Bow will ask themselves, ‘who can deliver a Long-Term Economic Plan that works for local people?’”.
“If I am elected to represent Bethnal Green and Bow in Parliament, I will make sure small businesses get the support they need to continue growing and hard-working taxpayers keep more of their earnings”.
“We will back you all the way”.
“Since April 2014, 2,500 businesses in Bethnal Green and Bow have benefited from the government’s Employment Support Allowance making it easier for employers to hire staff and create jobs”.
“Conservative plans for tax cuts would also take an estimated 5,150 low earners in Bethnal Green and Bow out of paying income tax altogether, as well as reducing others’ tax bills”.
“Together we can make Bethnal Green and Bow the best place in London in which to live and work”.
“I hope to meet many of you on the doorstep and in the streets of Bethnal Green and Bow in the coming months, to listen to your concerns and hear your views”.
“I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas. May I wish the people of Bethnal Green and Bow a very happy, prosperous and successful New Year and every good fortune in 2015”