THURROCK’S Labour MP Jen Craft has welcomed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ inaugural Budget, describing it as a first step in delivering better opportunities for local people.
Speaking after the Chancellor’s speech, Jen said “This Budget prioritises investment, restores our public services, and puts more money in the pockets of working people.
“We promised in the election to turn around the public services that people rely on every day without increasing taxes in the payslips of working people, and this Budget delivers on that.
“I’m sure that local people will welcome the £22.6bn increase in NHS day to day spending. I will be pushing the Health Secretary to use some of that money to provide the additional GPs that Thurrock desperately needs and to cut local waiting lists.
“On a personal note, as a former unpaid carer, I know that the increased amount that carers can earn without losing their Carers Allowances will be welcomed by all those who provide such vital support for their loved ones.
“In addition, I also welcome the record increases to the minimum wage, particularly for young workers. I know that local people will also welcome the freeze to fuel duty as well as a penny off a pint in the pub. Pubs will also benefit from the lowering of business rates for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses which will breathe fresh air into our high streets across Thurrock.
“We were elected to bring our public finances back into a sustainable footing while restoring our public services and this Budget does exactly that. My job now is to ensure that people here benefit from the investment that is coming to our economy.”
