I recently took part in a question and answer session with a number of local residents. The meeting was held at a residential home and was arranged by local resident, Adrian Hartshorn.

By far the biggest issues raised were savings, pensions and bank bonuses.  The overwhelming view was that after working hard and managing to save a small nest egg, older people now see little or no return on their savings, have seen their pensions dwindle and now have to manage on less money while they watch large bonuses be paid to bankers.

Christine Beal, Local Conservative Candidate, also attended the meeting. She said “It was a great opportunity for the residents to hear Conservative policies on how to tackle their concerns, such as an across-the-board increase in the basic state pension for everyone, by restoring the link between pensions and earnings.”

Residents also raised concerns about the level of unemployment, particularly amongst young people.  Residents agreed that we need to do more to teach young people a trade.  I was able to outline Conservative plans for extending the number of academies, which can set their own curriculum, offer more vocational courses and be more responsive to the skills needed for local industry and businesses.  We will also bring in a programme to encourage 16 year olds to work with local charities and community groups over the Summer Holidays, supporting this with a donation to the chosen organisation.  The pilot schemes have been shown to be incredibly successful.

Adrian Hartshorn, who organised the meeting, gave his views: “Leading up to the General Election it is important for us to be able to quiz a local Councillor and Parliamentary Candidate.  Irrespective of the politics, residents agreed that Craig demonstrated a real understanding of what is important to us, spoke with conviction and clearly believes in the views he expressed.  It was a really good meeting.”