Paul Burstow's New Year Message

4.11.00pm GMT Thu 1st Jan 2009

2008 ends with economic storm clouds gathering and the prospect of a tough year ahead for hardworking families and hard-pressed pensioners.

My job is to listen, understand and act on the issues facing local residents and business. In the first week of 2009 working with business leaders I will hold a series of surgeries and one to ones with local businesses.

As a member of the local economic taskforce I will do everything I can to ensure our area gets all the help it needs to weather the recession.

Above all I will continue to argue and vote for a big permanent income tax cut for hardworking families and a boost to pensions.

With the help of Guardian readers I am determined to get the Chancellor to agree the £150mn to start making St Helier hospital fit for the 21st Century. I also expect to see the local NHS plugging the gap in GP cover in Worcester Park.

In Parliament I will continue to champion the dignity and welfare of senior citizens. We need an end to the scandal of the chemical cosh in poorly run care homes, action to tackle the poor care that tolerates bed sores, and laws to protect against abuse and neglect

2009 will be a tough year. As a local family man representing Belmont, Cheam, Sutton and Worcester Park I will fight for a fair deal for our area.