BISHOP Auckland MP Helen Goodman defends the Government’s handling of the economic crisis in the latest edition of Northern Decision Makers, which can be seen from today on The Northern Echo’s website.

In a debate with John Elliott, the founder of Bishop Auckland’s Ebac company, she says of the planned increase in public spending as the Government bids to stave off recession: “The truth is that individuals as consumers have spent a lot and have very big mortgages and credit card bills, and as they are retrenching on an individual level, the Government has to step in because if it doesn’t we will see a collapse in British industry and manufacturing.”

Questioned by the show’s hosts about the tax rises planned for 2011 to pay for the spending, she says: “It is only fair that people with the broadest backs bear the biggest burden.”

The programme is hosted by the former Conservative parliamentary candidate Graham Robb and Nick Wallis, the Darlington Labour councillor who sits on his party’s national policy forum.

Mr Elliott, calling for decreased red tape for business, says: “I think all the parties are fiddling with the deckchairs while the Titanic is sinking.

“People in the street know we are spending too much.

What’s the solution? Spend less.”