Unemployment in Maidstone has risen to its highest level since 1997
amid the 'flawed economics' of the Conservative / Lib Dem coalition.
Public sector cuts were always
going to hurt employment Maidstone. While the government have bought
into the flawed economics of austerity, Maidstone Borough council are
happily throwing scarce money on importing paving slabs for the High
Street. So much more could have been done with the £2m that they have
wasted.
There are now over 2700 claiming job seeker's allowance in Maidstone,
the highest it has been for 15 years. This is simply disgraceful.
Austerity is hurting poorer and middle income people, yet the government
continues to allow the rich to avoid paying their way. One in three
jobs in Maidstone are in the public sector. While the Tories and Lib
Dems are cutting the public sector they are not just hurting the workers
but they are hurting the people who rely on the services.
There is so much that needs to be done in the town. Congestion on the
roads is rife and while public transport remains expensive and
infrequent it won't reduce traffic; homes need insulation to reduce fuel
bills and people need affordable housing. Perhaps the council and
government should question their priorities.
Notes: https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/2038431809/subreports/jsa_time_series/report.aspx
Stuart Jeffery: Green campaigner in Maidstone, Pagan, nurse, manager, writer, husband and father
1 comment:
To add insult to injury, Maidstone council are now digging up the main road and replacing the perfectly good paving in the town. Many have said it is a total waste of money, the council say, "it is to encourage more business into Maidstone".
Many companies left Maidstone and have been doing so for years due to high taxes and extortionate rates. Most moved to Medway which has ben seeing a relatively good increase in business, until the recession hit hard. If Maidstone council were to reduce the rates and taxes, maybe more businesses would be encouraged. However, seeing how Maidstone Council waste money, I don't think it is really a good advert for them.
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