Letter from Westminster

Several years ago, it became apparent freeholds to properties across Redditch had been sold to new owners and individuals suddenly faced huge bills to buy the freehold on their property.

The leaseholders formed an action group led by Graham Alexander and advised by Edward Rutledge.

It was the first campaign group that asked for my support and started when I was still a councillor on Redditch Council.

Now, the Government has brought in new rules and some came into power just before Christmas.

That's what we were celebrating last week.

I am delighted to have been of some assistance.

I know some sharp practice still goes on and I would recommend that people contact Edward Rutledge on 0121 708 2266 for advice.

There was a welcome drop in those claiming unemployment benefit in Redditch last month.

In fact, Redditch has seen some of the biggest declines in unemployment in the West Midlands since 1997.

This is due in no small part to the New Deal that has helped hundreds of young people, single parents and the long-term unemployed into work.

That isn't just good for the individuals involved - it's good for all of us. Since 1997, billions of pounds have been saved by reducing unemployment, the freed up cash being used to invest in our hospitals, schools and in the fight against crime.

We now have more doctors, nurses, teachers, classroom assistants, record police numbers and new Community Safety Officers.

Waiting lists and times in our hospitals have been slashed, standards in our schools are up and the chances of being a victim of crime are the lowest for 20 years.

All these improvements are built on the economic strength that last week's job figures show we have.

Returning to the dark days of three million people on the dole will have very serious implications for our public services.

I don't want to go back to that and getting rid of the New Deal, as the Conservatives proposed this week, is a step in the wrong direction.

Jacqui Smith MP