The year 2013 will be remembered as the year when growth returned to the local and national economy. Since 2010, the government has cut Labour’s deficit by a third, helped to create more than 1.6 million private sector jobs and pursued the rightful aim of making the UK one of the most competitive countries in Europe to do business. Inflation is also falling, and sustained increases in economic output are predicted in the months and years ahead.

This positive backdrop has given employers the necessary confidence to recruit and plan for the future. I am delighted that local unemployment levels continue to go down, and especially pleased to see real progress being made in reducing the numbers of young people not in education, employment and training.

Together with a continuing focus on the economy, health and education will remain at the top of my personal agenda in 2014. Our students must have every opportunity to achieve in the classroom, and I was thrilled when the government allocated £16 million to rebuild Oakbank School. We have kept our promise to ringfence the health budget, with more than £6 million being released for a new A&E department at Airedale Hospital.

This year will see the Tour de France come to Keighley, offering unparalleled opportunities for the town and surrounding areas. A lot of work is already going on to ensure we can extract the best possible benefits for local residents and businesses.

I take great pleasure in wishing all Keighley News readers a very healthy, happy, prosperous and safe New Year.

KRIS HOPKINS MP for Keighley & Ilkley and Minister for Housing