Where's all our money going Mr Prime minister?

Well it's a pretty miserable end to May, I'm in trousers and shoes, and I'm cold and that suggests to me that its not very warm. I'm hoping that all those half term holidayers are finding some interesting things inside to spend their money on, because if the fuel prices increase any more they will all be stuck - if not from lack of fuel then from all the blockading lorries!

Its not only fuel that's hitting the pocket of the consumer, food prices are at a 14 year high, and are currently rising at more than three times the rate of inflation, the sale of house hold goods has taken a 1.9% nosedive, its largest fall since 2005, co-op are on a mission to sell their unwanted Somerfield stores, and despite this M&S profits are soaring?!

I'm not entirely sure where the government are going with tax since the department of the man that is married to Cherie, either he got it all wrong or the Scotsman has serious problems, but what effect is this really having on our small retail outlets and our businesses? Why don't you let me know??

Comments

[Barbara Ellenbroek]

Well as far as I am concerned sales are patchy to say the least- and have been for quite a while.
There are certainly holidaymakers around - and thank goodness they do not have the same prejudice against Redruth that our locals seem to!
All overheads are going up,utilities, rent,rates and wages and prices for stock too. However we have no option but to keep on - and to try to offer the best value for money that we can. That does not mean the cheapest prices, but it does mean putting in "added value" with customer service and stock knowledge.
What we need is a level of honesty from the politicians about the fact that we are in a recession - and have been for about 12 months now. I am not interested as to whose fault it is - what I need to know is what measures are going to be put in to place to support small businesses. That means talking to us, and finding out what is really going on in our towns and villages.
Does the Government really care about sustainable communities? If it does it should be supporting campaigns such as the FSB Keep Trade Local campaign. MPs should be talking to local businesses too, and lobbying on their behalf, instead of talking about getting bigger allowances - its our money they are spending - are we getting value for money from them?
When was the last time you saw an MP in your community except at election time?