Dear Editor,

The suggestion in the Western Morning News (Tuesday 15 September) that a future Conservative government might pay lower benefits in Cornwall than elsewhere in the country is not true.

The idea of giving local councils control over spending on welfare was floated by Lord Hanningfield, the leader of Essex County Council, but it does not represent the policy of the Conservative Party and the Party has made clear that it would not adopt the idea in government.

When there is a recession, Cornwall always seems to get hit harder than most and this time is no exception.  Unemployment is now rising, many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat and the cost of living is on the rise.  So, let's focus on what a Conservative government would do.  We would introduce incentives to encourage businesses to take on the long term unemployed.  We would freeze council tax for two years to help people make ends meet.  And we would help small firms stay afloat by getting the banks lending again and supporting businesses with their VAT bills.

We all want to see our local communities strengthened and when it comes to the welfare system, there is a very strong case for much greater involvement by local social enterprises to provide tailored support which can help the long term unemployed in Cornwall back into work.   But when it comes to benefit payments, fairness will be at the heart of our plans.  It is not practical to allow local authorities to determine welfare payments so these will continue to be determined nationally.  And as Conservative candidates in Cornwall, we can assure WMN readers that we will continue to fight hard for Cornwall's interests.

Yours sincerely

The Conservative Parliamentary Candidates for Cornwall

16th September 2009