Prime Minister pledges jobs and growth for the Midlands

THE Conservatives have said they plan to create 300,000 new jobs across the Midlands between 2015 and 2020 – should the party form the next Government.

Ramping up the General Election spin, David Cameron and George Osborne said the target was part of a long term economic strategy for the region.

The proposals also pledge an additional £5.3bn for improving transport facilities – including unlocking the growth potential offered by HS2 – and helping towards the construction of 30,000 new homes.

New measures to improve skills levels are also being promised as part of the plan, as is a new strategy carried out in conjunction with the Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership to match people with the right job opportunities.

The plans were announced by the two men during a visit to the region in support of the latest payouts as part of Round 6 of the Regional Growth Fund.

Echoing the words of Lord Heseltine when preparing his No Stone Unturned economic review, the Chancellor said the aim was to make the Midlands the engine for growth to power the UK economic recovery.

He said the challenge faced by the Government was to build on the steps it had put in place during the last five years in order to sustain long term growth.

He said the region had been growing faster than the UK average and the Government was intent on maintaining this momentum.

Mr Cameron said if the plan was successful it would help the region build on the success of the last five years and pave the way for further investment.