WYRE Forest District is officially a low-waged area. What was the message from the recent Conservative Party conference to Wyre Forest’s low-earning workers? As expressed by Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary, it was that they should work harder.

The message was expressed in the context of the confidence trick that is George Osborne’s Living Wage.

This policy will actually reduce the incomes of the low-paid.

As always, Conservatives believe that, to incentivise the lower ranks of society, one should cut their income.

Wyre Forest workers may recall their Conservative MP expressing the view that a City worker earning £1 million per annum in wages is worth a £2 million bonus.

As always, Conservatives believe that, to incentivise the rich, one should offer them grotesquely excessive rewards.

“One law for the rich, another for the poor” may be a cliché, but it is true in Conservative Wyre Forest.”

Jamie Shaw Labour District Councillor,

Areley Kings and Riverside Ward Heightington Place Stourport