Kent business owners are debating whether the new conservative plans to deal with the economic downturn are going to stimulate the economy.

If the Conservative party got into Government their leader David Cameron has said today they would cut business tax to help see companies through the recession.

The Tories would offer companies a £2,500 national insurance break for every new worker they take on who has been on the dole for more than three months.

Their proposals have brought a mixed reaction from business owners across the county.

Can cuts in business tax see Kent companies and people through the recession?

Maidstone hauliage firm owner and Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Peter Carroll said: “The Conservative plans for tax are focused on making it cheaper to employ someone but in practice they are doing it the wrong way round.

“The most important thing for the economy and local businesses is to get demand stimulated.

“They need to give people already in work a tax cut so they can go out and spend their money with confidence.

"That would stimulate demand for companies so they feel more confident to employ more people.

“The Conservative’s plans make it a bit cheaper for companies to take someone on but when they do employ them what are they going to do?

"There is no stimulous in the economy right now because there is no demand.

“A better philosophy is to cut income tax so people can spend more with confidence.”