31 December 2013
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has put jobs and growth in the West Worcestershire area at the top of her wish list for 2014. The MP welcomed the strong progress on jobs and growth in the area in 2013 and promised to work for more in 2014. And Harriett said that lobbying for swift approval to the South Worcestershire Development Plan would be among her highest priorities for next year. Harriett commented: “Job growth and economic growth were higher than forecast in 2013. “The deficit has also fallen by more than expected in 2013 and I would like more of the same in 2014 as more people move back into work and see their disposable household income grow. We don’t want to pass on difficult decisions on public spending to our children.” Harriett added: “I will be trying to speed up decisions on the South Worcestershire Development Plan so that we can have a locally-agreed plan for businesses and homes. I also want to help villages and towns develop neighbourhood plans. “This year saw substantial progress delivering faster broadband to homes and businesses but 2014 sees the start of the build out to rural areas. “In the last two years, two million more people on low pay started saving for a pension. I’ll be working with local smaller businesses to help them enroll their staff too this year. “Our local GPs have become our personal health shoppers and I look forward to working with them to see more treatments delivered in people’s local area, either at home or in the community hospitals. “I will work with my colleagues in Westminster to continue to press for fairer funding for our local schools and ensure they are properly supported to deliver excellent teaching to our children in West Worcestershire.” "And finally, I will try to eat better, lose weight and do more exercise!"