Local MP Steve Brine brought a key member of the Government to Winchester on Friday 24th October, to meet local business leaders.
Recent months have seen continued strong economic news for the area and Iain Duncan-Smith, the Work & Pensions Secretary, came to hear about it for himself. Along with Mr Brine he met with Paul Morgan from Warrens, Chamber Chair and MD at Denplan, Stephen Gates, Ken Macartney from the BiD and WCC Leader Cllr Rob Humby at La Place in The Square.
The session discussed recent unemployment figures which show Winchester now has an out of work figure that is half the national average and ideas around various measures central government and local authorities can take to help assist the long-term jobless.
Cllr Rob Humby said; "It was great to discuss Winchester's needs with the Work and Pensions Secretary. We need to make decisions for Winchester at a local level, for example with our employment mentoring scheme, helping those out of work break through barriers to employment. The aim of the new service is to reduce dependency on benefits and move jobseekers towards employment. Although unemployment in the district is relatively low there are pockets where levels are significantly higher. Winchester has so much to offer its residents, but those on low incomes are often unable to make the most of the opportunities on their doorstep."
Stephen Gates said: "This was an excellent opportunity for Winchester businesses leaders to discuss what makes Winchester such a strong and vibrant business economy with a Cabinet-level Minister. And a Minister who was prepared to listen and discuss issues constructively too."
Speaking afterwards, Steve Brine said: "This was really useful and just so good for local business leaders to talk directly to one of the most influential members of the Government in such an open and informal way. We were all extremely grateful to Iain for taking time to visit Winchester and do this."
Following the meeting, Mr Duncan Smith made a surprise appearance with Steve Brine at St Bartholomew Church in Hyde for the Hyde Soldiers exhibition organised by Hyde 900. He ended his visit by addressing some 150 Conservative party supporters at an event held in The Winchester Hotel on Worthy Lane.
