Chancellor George Osborne was finding out for himself how well his recent announcement to cut cider duty by 2%, was going down with the cider industry by visiting local cider business Sheppys Cider near Wellington on Thursday.
David Sheppy welcomed the cut which helps to boost the whole industry and allows for further investment in his own growing business which has doubled in size in the last seven years and now even exports to China.
Following the cider tour Prospective Conservative MP Rebecca Pow was able to raise key issues facing Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe in Taunton Deane with Mr Osborne in particular the focus she feels the area needs to compete nationally:
‘The South West has been neglected by previous governments and I believe Taunton Deane in particular has not received the attention or the funding it deserves. I pressed Mr Osborne to continue with his long term plan to turn this around and to help us compete on a better footing. I was delighted he took the time to visit Sheppys which is a great example of an expanding local business and a popular tourist attraction which will benefit from Taunton Deane continuing to grow and develop as the economy recovers. I have already worked to help secure the funding for Taunton Rail Station and for major road upgrades but we need to be sure these things come to fruition and I will continue to work hard as I have since my selection, to see that we get the attention from government that we deserve.’
Responding to Rebecca Mr Osborne said ‘The South West has been neglected by previous governments and we’ve made a real effort here particularly with plans for connecting up and improving transport, rail, the proposed A303 and A358 upgrades and Rebecca has played her part in all these. This national investment comes alongside our wider long term economic plan which is benefiting tradition industries in the West Country, like Sheppys Cider, with the recent 2% reduction in cider duty together with other incentives that will help new industries develop in the region.
People can look at what we’ve done in the South West to show that this government is absolutely determined to make sure the SW is connected up and progressing and creating business and jobs. And here in Taunton Deane people have a choice: to get Ed Milliband or to get the best of both worlds, a strong local voice in Rebecca Pow who has already achieved much for our road upgrades, the rail station transformation and promoting food and drink businesses as well as at the same time securing a strong national Conservative government with a long term economic plan delivering for the country as a whole.’