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Keeping the economy moving - for the Inverness Courier
Keeping the economy moving
Back in May 2010 there was one uniting factor over any other that brought the Lib Dems and the Conservatives into coalition together, and that was the economy. The country had huge problems that had to be fixed, difficult decisions needed to be made, and we would have to remain a strong partnership as the global banking and euro zone crisis rumbled on.
Over two years in and our aim and determination remains as strong as ever: to put our economy back on track. As the euro zone crisis and the recovery from the banking crisis continue to drag on growth, it is even more important that both coalition parties work together in the national interest.
And that is just what we are doing, working together to get our economy moving and Britain back on track.
A new UK Guarantees scheme announced last week will dramatically accelerate major infrastructure investment throughout the UK, getting thousands of ‘spades in the ground’ over the next three years, and provide major support to UK exporters.
The scheme consists of three elements. The first is about kick starting critical infrastructure projects, worth up to £40 billion that may have stalled because of adverse credit conditions. In addition to this, a new temporary lending programme has been introduced to ensure around 30 public private partnership infrastructure projects worth an estimated £6 billion in the next 12 months can go ahead. Finally, a major £5 billion export refinancing facility to provide long-term loans for overseas buyers of UK exports at competitive rates by guaranteeing a series of short-term bank loans.
We are also committed to making radical changes to the electricity market that deliver investment in secure, low carbon, affordable energy through the energy bill.
Liberal Democrats in particular are committed to creating a new, green economy that is not only good for the environment but creates jobs and helps protect energy bills from global price changes.
For businesses locally, access to funding from the banks was the single biggest issue raised with me. A scheme launched by the Bank of England and the Treasury to boost lending to first time buyers and small companies will also inject fresh funds into the UK economy.
The "funding for lending" scheme, will see £80bn set aside for cheap loans to banks and building societies.
All of these schemes use the credibility that we have established to support the economy through these very difficult times. The country has deep-rooted problems, and we will do all we can to weather the storm and rebalance the economy onto a more sustainable path.
Working towards a fairer deal for dairy farmers
Recent price cuts in dairy processing have been a severe blow for dairy farmers. As farmers from the Highlands raised with me at the opening of the new Asda last week.
I was therefore extremely pleased that farmers and dairy processors were able to agree an outline of a Code of Practice in the dairy industry on the same day.
Whilst the finer details of the code will not be finalised by all parties until the end of August, it is an extremely promising step forward.
Once the code of practice has been finalised, it will allow all future contracts between farmers and processors to be properly negotiated, fairer and more transparent.
All parties will continue to work together to ensure that, as the details of the agreement are hammered out over the summer, we will get the right outcome for our local dairy farmers.
A Highland Summer
I am very much looking forward to spending some time with my family in the Highlands over the coming weeks, getting involved in the many events that take place over the summer months.
Next week I will be heading to Grantown show, judging the supreme champion bull and observing some of the fantastic events that will take place. I hope to see many of you there.
I will also be holding surgeries in communities across Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey in the coming weeks. If you would like to attend one of my advice surgeries please call 01463 711280 for more information and I look forward to seeing you.
Posted on: 30/07/2012
