Getting back into the swing of things

Meanwhile, ice, snow and slush have gripped the nation, and keeping warm in sub-zero temperatures is no small matter for many. Cold Weather Payments have been triggered in the exceptionally wintry conditions.

There are two ways the Government is helping this winter - with Winter Fuel payments of £250 or £400 for the over 80s, and vulnerable people in our area getting the increased Cold Weather Payments of £25.

The payments are automatic, so everyone entitled will get them without having to apply.

Some economic commentators have been surprised by the recent news of a fall in unemployment. While this might not mean there will be no rises reported in the months to come, it does at least say something about the role that government can play.

It means 450,000 fewer people are out of work than was predicted last spring.

A "sink or swim" policy is not the only one available, and now is not the time to cut support to the economy, choking off recovery and putting more people out of work.

- Jim Fitzpatrick is MP for Poplar and Canning Town