IT is hard to wade through the arguments of the three main political parties raging now.

The major one concerns the proposed rise in National Insurance contributions. Although I would prefer to raise money by increasing VAT on selective items or income tax for those who can afford it, I agree more money must be found to begin filling the black hole in the country’s finances.

I don’t think you can rule out increases in taxation but savings also must be made.

I insist on curbs on bonuses for highly paid executives particularly in financial services. There must be help for businesses especially those employing under 50 people that form the large majority of UK businesses.

There must be compulsion on banks to lend money to help cash flow to purchase raw materials before manufacturing and subsequent sales become possible.

In my contacts with local businesses the reluctance of banks to lend is raised frequently and the failure of the Government to address the serious effect of empty property rates or to help by supporting pay for short-time working that would avoid redundancy of highly skilled staff before the recovery begins when their services will become vital.

Action is needed to provide an infrastructure to help regenerate the economy as we move out of recession and I would like to see either central government or local authority funding to build small industrial units, always in short supply, to promote opportunities for new business growth.

Also, targeted training schemes, to provide opportunities for the young and those made redundant to learn new skills, are sorely needed.

Here we suffer from poor road links with motorways and gridlock in our towns exacerbated by unavoidable road works. I have helped with re-scheduling road works away from peak periods for traders and businesses in Bewdley and Stourport.

There’s no easy answer to our road congestion and so it’s essential to explore and promote more ‘Park and Ride’ to improve public transport and to wean more commuters and private motorists away from traffic blackspots. Hence I am supporting plans for developing Kidderminster railway station as an attractive entry to Wyre Forest for workers and tourists.

These plans must take into account the heritage and concerns about loss of parking and the costly installation of traffic lights on Comberton Hill that some experts believe unnecessary and likely to cause delays and increased risks for pedestrians.