Tony Colman MP welcomes Labour's new investment for children and the fight against crime in Putney

"a massive boost for Putney children and will make our streets safer"

Tony Colman MP said,

"Gordon Brown's Spending Review is good news for parents and children in Putney.

"Gordon Brown set aside new money to create 2,500 Children's Centres across the country as we move towards our goal a new Children's Centre in every community.

"The Chancellor also announced an extension to the successful Bookstart scheme which provides free books for youngsters. And to help parents balance work and family life he also committed to creating 120,000 more childcare places by 2008.

"He also announced new investment in our criminal justice system, in policing, in tackling anti social behaviour and in improving the quality of life for towns such as Putney.

"Because Labour wants to make Putney streets safer and more secure today's announcements means more money to recruit more Community Support Officers and Police officers.

"In addition to investing in education and the fight against crime, the Labour Government has announced significant other extra investment including

- new funds of £250 million to get tough on anti-social behaviour
- additional resources of £1 billion for housing
- £2 billion more for the Department of Transport to invest in our infrastructure to improve rail travel and tackle road congestion
- more funds for international aid
- more support for the Regional Development Agency and regional economic development

"This long-term investment is only possible because we have delivered economic stability. Today inflation is at its lowest sustained rate for thirty years, mortgage rates are at their lowest for thirty years and employment is at record levels

"What a contrast with the Tory years when interest rates soared to 15 per cent and there were three million unemployed. The Conservative Party oppose this investment and are committed to cutting £18 billion from public services - that would mean cutting £27 million here in Putney.

"The Chancellor outlined today how Labour is making the necessary investment in schools, skills, training and enterprise to ensure our continued economic success and to lock in economic stability for a generation.

"The investment the Labour Government has announced today enables us to build efficient and strong public services for Putney delivering greater opportunity and security not just for some but for all."

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For Parliamentary Information: www.parliament.uk

July 12, 2004