Sir, – The budget was bad news for families and business in Teesside.

It was revealed there would be: tax rises of £1,000 on every family in Britain; tax rises on everyone earning over £19,000; tax rises on all new jobs; higher taxes for motorists and responsible drinkers.

The Labour Government was also forced to admit that Britain faces the longest recession since the war and the fastest rise in unemployment on record, and every child born already owing £22,500 in national debt.

Moreover, it was revealed that the Tees Valley will be ignored in establishing new city regions.

Chancellor Alistair Darling announced two pilot schemes for Leeds and Greater Manchester, which should bring increased investment and growth opportunities, but ignored the Tees Valley.

Our city-region proposal has been supported by businesses and local government across the area as a means to bring investment and grow our local economy.

The government should look again, as soon as possible, to protect jobs and strengthen our local economy; it was a mistake to ignore the needs of the Tees Valley in the budget.

This budget was a wasted opportunity to put Teesside back on track. Conservatives will tackle Labour’s debt crisis and deliver economic change.

PAUL BRISTOW Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland.