Kevin Foster, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Torbay, has this week welcomed new figures showing that 821 fewer people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Torquay and Paignton since 2010, a 35% drop. This means more people in work, with the security of a regular pay packet and a brighter future ahead of them.
Across Britain unemployment has fallen by its largest annual amount since records began, falling below two million for the first time since 2008.
Jobs are being created across the bay, for example in Watcombe where the Ministry of Pudding has taken over the former Creative Foods Factory and at Whiterock in Paignton where a new business park is taking shape.
The figures released this week also confirmed that next year the basic state pension will rise by 2.5 per cent, faster than inflation and earnings, because of the Conservatives’ triple lock. The £148 rise will help ensure financial security for older people who have worked hard all their lives.
This latest rise comes on top of the £800 increase in the State Pension since 2010.
Kevin said: “These figures are great news, confirming not only that 821 fewer people in Torquay and Paignton are relying on benefits since 2010, but also that the state pension will rise by £148 next year, faster than earnings or inflation. This means a brighter, more secure future for people who want to work hard and get on, as well as for those who’ve spent their whole lives doing so.
“This has happened because of our action to back local businesses looking to create jobs with our long-term economic plan and introducing the pensions triple lock to ensure that people who have worked hard all their lives are properly rewarded.
“As these figures show that plan is working, delivering an above inflation rise in the state pension and getting us closer to our target for full employment. This means greater financial security for hardworking taxpayers and their families in Torquay and Paignton who can look forward to the future with greater peace of mind.”