Policy Achievements (Hansard, 11 May 1984)

§ The Prime Minister

The Government since 1979 have:

Cut the rate of price increases to the lowest level achieved in the last 16 years.
Created the conditions in which trade and industry can prosper, and swept away controls on wages, prices, dividends, foreign exchange, hire purchase and office and factory building.
Returned many state firms to free enterprise to provide a better service to the customer, strengthen competition, save taxpayers' money and involve employees in runnnng and owning those businesses.

Improved incentives by cutting income tax rates and raising allowances. Begun a radical overhaul of the tax system by simplifying Corporation Tax.
Set out a clear course for controlling public spending and reducing borrowing, and paid off nearly half the overseas debts it inherited in 1979.
Furthered the progress towards a home—owning democracy, encouraging council home sales, and enabling 1.4 million more householders to own their own home.
Introduced legisation to curb unreasonable rate demands and proposals to reform the structure of local government, abolishing unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.
Constructed 400 miles of new national roads, completed 110 new by—passes, and concentrated on providing value for money in public transport.
More than protected pensions against rising prices. Raised Child Benefit and benefits for the disabled. Increased health spending to its highest ever level, to provide more and better treatment to more patients.
Strengthened the police and increased the powers of the courts as part of the fight against crime.
Introduced legislation which is restoring the balance in industrial relation.
Increased parental choice, commenced the task of raising standards in schools, and launched a major technical training initiative.
Restored Britains's position abroad, defending the right principles in international relations.
Strengthened our defence forces so that they can protect and preserve the peace.
Defended British interests in the European Community and proposed a sounder and fairer basis for its finances.

In summary, through these and other measures, it is returning to the people freedoms and assets which are properly the people's to enjoy, whilst strengthening those tasks of Government which only Government can perform.