Michael Tomlinson has welcomed new figures showing that Help to Buy, the Conservative scheme to help people access an affordable mortgage with a small deposit, has helped 58 families to buy their own home in Mid Dorset and North Poole– and has said that only the Conservatives will keep helping local people onto the housing ladder

New figures released show that 1100 businesses in Mid Dorset and North Poole have benefited from the Government’s Employment Allowance since its introduction a year ago, making it easier for small businesses to hire staff and create new jobs. Our economic plan is backing businesses to create jobs, which is why it is so important that we stick to that plan so we can provide more people with the economic security that a regular wage brings. All that would be put at risk if Ed Miliband becomes Prime Minister next week, propped up by the SNP – hardworking people would pay the price with higher taxes and fewer jobs 

I recently paid a visit to a cancer research centre at Hammersmith Hospital, which specialises in the study and treatment of pancreatic and ovarian cancers to see the work being pioneered to help people throughout Dorset. The team at Hammersmith, led by Professor Harpreet Wasan, has already had successes in developing clinical therapies based upon research conducted in the lab.  As an active supporter and campaigner for Cancer Research UK it was great to see the work being done by Professor Wasan and his team and how it could save lives in his constituency of Mid Dorset and North Poole.

Michael has welcomed the news that more students in Dorset are studying the core academic subjects which will help them to get the best start in life.   The new English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is awarded when students achieve A* to C in five core GCSE subjects including English, Maths, Science, Humanities and Languages – the courses that universities and employers value the most. New figures show that the EBacc is encouraging more young people in our area to study the core academic subjects.  

I welcome the news that crime is falling. Latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics show that since 2010 recorded crime in Dorset has fallen by 22% The Government is following an action plan to tackle crime  

New figures showing that the number of private sector businesses in the South West has increased by around 98,900 over the past four years.  There are now over three quarters of a million more private sector businesses than there were in 2010. We've doubles the annual investment allowance to £500,000 until the end of 2015.  Over 99% of businesses will face no upfront tax when they invest in their future.  We are also increasing the tax reliefs available to small businesses for research and development.

New figures showing that 292 fewer people in Mid Dorset and North Poole are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance than in 2010, a 42% fall. There are a record number of women in work – and the annual fall in female unemployment is the largest on record. This means more people in work, with the security of a regular pay packet and a better future ahead of them.

Michael Tomlinson has welcomed new figures showing the British economy is now above its pre-crisis peak, after Labour’s Great Recession saw the economy shrink by 7.2 per cent. The economy grew by 0.8 per cent in Q2 2014, up 3.1 per cent on the same period last year.  

Michael Tomlinson has welcomed the announcement of £3,063,119 of new funding in Dorset to tackle potholes.

Congratulations to MEP candidates Ashley Fox and Julie Girling, who were successfully re-elected following the European Elections on the 22nd May.