I WOULD be grateful to respond to Gordon Brown's claims about Labour's record on tackling child poverty.

Unfortunately, despite all the talk and all the promises, since Labour have been in power, the number of people living in poverty has actually grown, according to the latest Government statistics.

In trying to micro-manage income distribution, and wealth creation, Gordon Brown has only succeeded in raising taxes on hard-working families and increasing the number of people subjected to means-tested benefits.

Labour's policies have not promoted independence. We have a vision that aims to promote a prosperous society, where taxes are reduced and people are lifted off means-tested benefits.

Reducing poverty must be an issue not only in the election campaign, but throughout the lifetime of the next government.

We believe the most effective way to achieve that end is not to regulate, lecture and patronise people, but to encourage a responsible society and enterprise economy where everybody has the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and achieve their ambitions.

Economic opportunity and dynamism can only be delivered if Government is truly committed to freeing business from state interference and creating a climate that rewards hard work, risk and enterprise.

STEPHEN CLEE,

Conservative County Councillor,

Worcestershire.