02/02/10 - George Osborne Sets Out A New Model Of Economic Growth

Cllr Justin Tomlinson with George Osborne at a visit to Nationwide HQ

Today the Conservative Party has set out a new model of economic growth, a model very different from the one pursued by Gordon Brown.

It sets out our plans for a private sector recovery driven by business investment and exports, instead of consumer borrowing and government debt.

For the first time ever, we are also setting out eight benchmarks - the Benchmarks for Britain - against which we are happy for the next Conservative Government to be judged.

Achieving them over the next Parliament would mean we have put Britain back on her feet and are building a new British economic model, very different from the debt driven model of the past.

At the end of the Parliament, you will be able to use these benchmarks to hold your government to account over whether our economy is more stable, more balanced and more competitive.

We've set them out in detail on our website so you can see exactly what we're proposing. Then, as you have already done with David on our NHS and education policies, you can ask me any question about our plans for economic growth.

You can also vote on any of the questions that have been submitted, so that next week I'll be able to answer the most popular questions in a live webcast.

I look forward to hearing from you.

George Osborne
Conservative Shadow Chancellor

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "I welcome these clear benchmarks for which local residents could hold the government to account.  Local residents are tired of Labour's endless spin and broken promises so it is right and proper that we set out these clear and tangible benchmarks to help mend our broken economy.''

Eight Benchmarks for Britain

1 Ensure macroeconomic stability

2 Create a more balanced economy

3 Get Britain working

4 Make Britain open for business

5 Ensure the whole country shares in rising prosperity

6 Reform public services to deliver better value for money

7 Create a safer banking system that serves the needs of the economy

8 Build a greener economy