There has been plenty of coverage of the Autumn Statement that the Chancellor made recently. His three priorities were stability, growth and public services, and the measures he announced will have a real impact on us in Hertford and Stortford.
It was important that decisions had to be made to run a fiscally balanced economy. My honest opinion is that this budget was far better than many expected, and achieved that balance squarely, with just over 50% of the financial burden being met by tax raises, and just under 50% being met by spending reductions. None of this is easy and anyone who tells you it is, is not being honest. Honesty and leadership in politics are for the tough times as well as the easy times.
I am glad to report that my first in-person Jobs, Opportunities and Apprenticeships Fair was a great success. I was delighted by just how many people came down on the day with queues out the door at points! I’m grateful to everyone who attended.
On the day, 13 local businesses and organisations from BT to MCP Group, Allinson’s to our local ambulance service joined us. There really was something for everyone.
I am currently posting exhibitors’ debrief pieces on my website. This is so that those who were unable to attend on the day can still receive information around what opportunities employers were offering and how you can get in touch. This will be updated periodically so please keep an eye out.
I know how deeply local people are distressed at the news that the Martin’s shop with the Post Office inside on Ware High Street is to close in January. This is a decision that has been made by Morrisons and is one that I wholeheartedly oppose.
After losing all six of our banks in recent years, the Post Office did so much to fill the void created by such closures. Ware is a substantial and growing community and I have challenged Morrisons’ business assumptions and asked them to look again, but if the closure does go ahead, it will impact residents here and further afield. People will find it far harder to pay bills, transfer money, withdraw cash and access a range of counter services.
I am working to save Ware High Street’s Post Office. I have already spoken with residents, met with directors from Morrisons and the Post Office, written to other businesses on the High Street to see if they could host a Post Office inside, and met the relevant Treasury Minister who has agreed to raise the issue with financial authorities. I will continue to work to preserve services for local people, particularly ensuring those who need it retain access to cash and banking services.