The jobless figures in Redditch have now fallen by 46 per cent since 1997, standing at just 2.7 per cent.

With more jobs being created in and around the town, our local economy reflects the national position.

Back in the boom and bust days of the Tories, 46p out of every pound paid in tax was spent supporting the costs of their economic failure. Now that figure is just 17p in the pound, leaving more money for our public services.

This week's Budget will raise money to invest in our hospitals and schools to bring spending up towards European averages.

Record amounts of money are already being spent on health thanks to our economic success.

The Alexandra Hospital, for instance, has received millions to improve its A&E, new operating theatres, a new roof and cleaner wards.

More nurses and doctors, new hospitals and upgrades are already having an effect on waiting lists and treatments nationally but more needs to be done in the long term.

The Conservative approach to the NHS has been made crystal clear by Dr Liam Fox, their spokesman on health - 'to persuade the public the NHS is not working'.

So there is a fight for the future of the NHS.

This week's budget will make it clear where Labour stands. The Conservative strategy has been found out - run it down, condemn it, break it up and tell people they'll have to pay.