Getting inflation falling has rightly been an economic priority for our Conservative government during 2023.  Earlier last year, Labour politicians were gleefully rubbing their hands as a recession was predicted by some economic forecasters, but it’s very pleasing to disappoint them with our economy having remained resilient, with revised data showing our economic growth to have been one of the strongest in the G7 since 2020.      

There’s no doubt that in most democratic countries this decade so far, it’s been tough being in government while global inflation has been eroding incomes and spending power for citizens.  Thankfully, we here have a government that has been focussed on getting decisions right for the long-term, even if that means making difficult choices and being unpopular in the short-term.  However, as we enter a new year, I have renewed optimism for 2024 as inflation feels likely to fall back to target and as government tax cuts that are now affordable, kick in.

Already in the first week of the year, mortgage rates have been falling.  Only recently following when they had risen, there was cynical Labour party campaigning of “Tory Mortgage Bombshell” when it was in fact a return more akin to the long-term average.  Of course, such an opportunist party won’t apply any credit to the Conservatives for last week’s falling mortgage rates.           

I am very pleased for all Crawley residents who are part of the 27 million people who are going to be better off from the 2% reduction in National Insurance that took effect from last Saturday the 6th.  This will see a welcome boost to January paypackets and in February, the whole month effect will kick in.

A working family with two earners on an average income will be £900 better off.  A senior nurse with five years of experience will be better off by £600.  The average police officer will be better off over £630.  A typical junior doctor will be better off by over £750.  A typical self-employed plumber will be better off by over £410 and a typical teacher will be better off by over £630.

Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group

10th January 2024