The public spending and tax plans set out last week by my colleague Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, show that Labour understands the aspirations of people and will make a real difference to the lives of local families and pensioners.

It’s vital that we continue to invest in our public services in Southampton. That’s why I’m pleased that Alistair’s plans give more money to local schools so that all of our kids can get a decent start in life. The extra investment in the NHS will mean that waiting times can be reduced further to 18 weeks, as Labour promised, and we can have cleaner hospitals and better access to GP services.  There’s also guaranteed neighbourhood policing for every community in Southampton.

People in Southampton need more and better housing.  Labour’s plans will deliver them and the better transport links to support them. 

The Government can set out these ambitious plans only because Labour has built a strong economy over the past ten years with firm control over inflation and growing job opportunities.  What a difference from when the Tories were in power.  Inflation was nearly 10 per cent, mortgages soared to 15% and unemployment hit 3 million people.

Few of us enjoy paying tax but we have to if we are to pay for public services. So it’s important that people feel that the tax system is fair.  I know many people in Southampton have been worried that rising house prices mean they won’t be able to pass on what they had hoped to their children.  The Government’s bold plans to change the way Inheritance Tax works means a couple will now be able to leave twice as much to their children before they pay tax – that’s £600,000 – and from April 2009 it will go up to £700,000.  This will help bring peace of mind to many local home-owners.

We also need to do more to help less well off Southampton families.  The Government’s commitment to raise Child Tax Credits well above inflation next April will give them a more secure future.  Labour’s commitment to raising the Pension Credit minimum guarantee to £124 for single pensioners and £189 for pensioner couples from next April will help them too.

I believe that the people of Southampton want not only a more prosperous future but a fairer one too.  Labour’s plans deliver on both counts.