News Release 14.12.09
Swansea’s jobs, services, wages, benefits and pensioners protected by Labour’s mini-Budget
Geraint Davies who succeeds Alan Williams MP as Labour’s Swansea West Parliamentary Candidate has set out how Labour’s pre-Budget Report is good news for jobs, public services and pensioners in Swansea.

“Labour has promised to protect public expenditure for health, education and police numbers across the UK which means in Wales the money is there to fund schools, hospitals and the police. In Wales we get 14% more per head than in England” says Labour’s Geraint Davies.

“Public sector pay is going up by 1% which is 2% above inflation and is a significant real increase during difficult times. The pay increases and job protection in the public sector affects over 70% of employment in Swansea and secures buying power to help the private sector which has seen pay freezes and job losses.

“Labour has protected people’s bank accounts in Swansea but not bankers who face a 50% tax for banker bonuses over £20,000.

“There are more pensioners in Swansea than elsewhere and they will enjoy a 2.5% increase in the state pension next year having just had free loft insulation and £250 or £400 (if over 80) winter fuel allowance. Those on benefits will also see similar increases above inflation.

“At a time that many people are feeling the pinch Labour has supported front line services in health, education and the police whilst protecting those on pensions and benefits who are most vulnerable.

“When the election comes the people of Swansea will ask which party will get Britain back to work most effectively and, if savings are to be made, who will make them most sympathetically.

“Gordon Brown has lead the world in preventing a banking collapse and leading the recovery. Labour’s top priorities are clear : protecting public services – health, education, pensions – and creating jobs to protect the futures of all our families.

“People understand that Labour is investing in jobs now to have more taxpayers contributing to the public purse to prevent deeper cuts in the future. The Tory alternative of deeper cuts now or “savage cuts” proposed by Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg would be particularly painful in Swansea where the public sector jobs are so important.”