Yesterday I was in the Commons to hear the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, deliver the Budget. I am always particularly keen that measures announced benefit my constituents and, more widely, Cumbria and the North.
Prior to yesterday's Budget, I lobbied the Chancellor on four key policy changes that I believe would have a significantly positive local effect:
▪️ Action on the 'tax' that doctors pay on their pension through the annual and lifetime pension allowances, keeping doctors in the profession longer and going some way to dealing with our recruitment issues locally.
▪️ Extension to childcare to encourage mums in particular to get back into the workplace which would help to address recruitment issues and the barriers mothers face in looking for a return to the workplace.
▪️ Full expensing, a pro-growth move that would alleviate tax bias on our economy.
▪️ The reclassification of nuclear energy as environmentally sustainable.
Therefore, I was delighted to hear the Chancellor had taken my arguments on board.
These will go some way to dealing with some of the issues that are raised with me on a daily basis. These include shortage of GPs, huge childcare costs as a barrier to work and creating a pro-growth environment for business - allowing them to invest more, boost wages and increase productivity.
I was also delighted to hear personal acknowledgement for my support for nuclear. Along with being reclassified as environmentally sustainable, opening up all sorts of funding avenues, the Chancellor also announced Great British Nuclear and opened an SMR competition. The nuclear industry is hugely important to West Cumbria and I will continue to be a strong voice for Cumbria as we continue to build on Moorside and boost our supply chain.
In addition, the Chancellor announced that the Energy Price Guarantee is being extended until the end of June. The Government will put an end to the pre-payment meter premium and will also be freezing fuel duty for the 13th year - saving drivers on average £200. These measures will help directly with the cost of living.
The Chancellor produced a Budget for Growth with measures that will help us locally by removing obstacles to investment, tackling labour shortages, breaking down barriers that stop people working and harnessing British genius.
The extra £11 billion committed to defence is very welcome as is the extra £33 million to support veterans, which recognises the sacrifice they made for our country.
The economic environment we create must be one that gives everyone the freedom to make the best choices for themselves and their families. Anyone who wants to work should be able to work, and I am pleased that some of the barriers that previously prevented this have been removed.
Lastly, no budget would be complete without a mention of alcohol. The Brexit Pubs Guarantee will ensure pubs will always pay less tax on a pint than a supermarket. What better excuse do we need to support our local pubs as the weather gets better!
