Centre for Cities Analysis

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Some very interesting analysis from the Centre for Cities think-tank on how Medway compares with the rest of the United Kingdom

It makes a bleak read in some ways and a positive in others.

Medway comes out very poorly on education with our area amongst the worst in the region for the level of people with high level qualifications in comparison with areas with a fully comprehensive system. We also have very few knowledge-based jobs in our area which means Medway is disproportionately impacted by cuts to manufacturing and the public sector (ratio is 2:1 private to public).

Medway also has concerningly high business churn but with a low start-up in comparison to other areas. This means not enough is being done by the Council to encourage and start-up new business in comparison to other sized conurbations

The loss of income is also pronounced with average weekly earnings falling to £488 which is a real terms reduction of £6 but with inflation is likely to be significantly higher.

Overall Medway is in a fair position in comparison to cities in the North East and Midlands; but does not fair well in the region and on indicators where the Conservative administration could have had influence; business growth and support, they are failing in comparison to other nearby authorities.

Five Point Plan for Jobs

Labour's plan for jobs

This is a really worrying time for families and businesses; struggling with higher food prices and gas bills and worried about their jobs and their children’s futures.

The Tory-led Government are cutting too far and too fast and risk choking off economic recovery. Unemployment is rising again and is currently at the highest level in 17 years. One in five young people are out of work and now more women are unemployed than at any time since 1988.

We need to act now to show the Tory-led Government that there is another way.

Labour has set out a clear five-point plan for jobs, to help struggling families and support small businesses. Our jobs plan includes:

1. A £2 billion tax on bank bonuses to fund 100,000 jobs for young people and build 25,000 affordable homes

2. Bringing forward long-term investment projects, like new school buildings

3. Temporarily reversing the VAT rise – a £450 boost for families with children

4. A one year cut in VAT to 5% on home improvements and repairs to help small businesses

5. A tax break for every small firm which takes on extra workers