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Budget Resolutions
31 October 2024
Lead MP
Jeremy Hunt
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxation
Other Contributors: 47
At a Glance
Jeremy Hunt raised concerns about budget resolutions in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Yesterday’s Budget was the biggest tax-raising Budget in British history, increasing taxes to German levels for the first time. The Office for Budget Responsibility warned that these £40 billion tax rises would lead to lower pay, higher prices, and more expensive mortgages. The Chancellor broke pre-election promises not to increase taxes further. Small businesses and working people were betrayed by the Government's decision to raise taxes despite previous assurances. 30 times this year, the Government promised no additional tax rises but proceeded with them anyway, going against their manifesto commitments. These measures include increases in capital gains tax, energy taxes, stamp duty, and taxes on family farms, all undermining economic competitiveness since the 1970s.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expressed concern over inheritance tax changes affecting farmers, noting that the measure has been universally condemned by farming unions and local communities. Urges opposition to the policy for the sake of farmers up and down the country.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Instructed Jim Shannon not to use 'you' when addressing the Government, possibly in reference to the previous intervention's critique.
North Cotswolds
Suggested that while his Budget included extra NHS increases coupled with a need for productivity growth, yesterday’s Budget did not mention increasing productivity in health services.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
Quoted the IFS to refute claims that departmental spending limits would hold as originally planned. Indicated dissent during interventions.
Luke Murphy
Lab
Basingstoke
Challenged the previous Government's claim of success in leveraging investment into the economy, citing evidence that the UK was 28th out of 31 OECD countries for business investment under their tenure.
Max Wilkinson
Lib Dem
Cheltenham
Discussed local hospitality industry concerns over tax reliefs and national insurance, noting that while yesterday’s Budget was better than the Liz Truss one, it still raised significant worries among businesses.
Pat McFadden
Lab
Wolverhampton South East
McFadden criticises the Conservative government for failing to manage public expenditure responsibly, leading to a £22 billion deficit. He notes that hospital waiting lists and housing waiting lists grew under their tenure. The Labour MP also highlights the economic challenges faced by businesses due to constant chaos in the Government. McFadden emphasises that his party's budget focuses on stabilising public finances, helping people with cost of living issues, improving public services, and rebuilding Britain through investment.
Alicia Kearns
Con
Rutland and Stamford
Kearns questions McFadden about the legitimacy of the £22 billion claim made by the Treasury. She cites the OBR chair's statement on 'Sky News' that there is no legitimisation for this figure.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Hunt points out that in the next paragraph of the OBR report, it states that it is 'not possible to judge' how much the pressures would be offset by savings elsewhere, suggesting these are within normal cost reductions.
Jake Richards
Lab
Rother Valley
Richards mentions a policy from one of the Tory leadership contenders for tax cuts for private schools on day one as Prime Minister, highlighting the priorities of the modern Conservative party and opposing investment in the current Labour Budget.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
It is a pleasure to speak in this debate in response to the first ever Budget delivered by a female Chancellor. This Government have inherited a mess, and we know that the cause of that mess is the legacy of reckless economic mismanagement left behind by the previous Government. The Liberal Democrats are glad that the Chancellor has listened to our calls for investment and support for the NHS to start repairing all the damage done to local health services by the Conservatives. We will continue to stand up for our constituents, and press the Government to act with urgency and to provide the support to public services that is so desperately needed. The Liberal Democrats have always understood that we cannot have a thriving economy and strong public finances until we fix the crisis in health and social care, so we welcome some of the steps that the Government announced in this direction yesterday. We were glad that during the Chancellor’s Budget, she committed to investing to modernise the systems of His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs using the very best technology, and we are glad that she has committed to recruiting additional HMRC compliance and debt staff. I urge the Government to go further than the announcements made yesterday on business rates by fundamentally overhauling the broken business rates system, which is destroying our high streets and town centres.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
I am not going to allow the hon. Gentleman to continue.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Does my hon. Friend agree that, although the new Government say they want to reset their relationship with Europe, if the No. 1 thing on the European Union’s mind is a youth mobility scheme that the Government are ruling out, they are not going to get very far?
Tom Collins
Lab
Worcester
As a boy, I remember walking to the shops with my mum and passing our nearest pub. Its name, the Lord Protector, confused me at the time, and I later learned that I share a home town with one Oliver Cromwell, so perhaps I should feel at home in this place. Having said that, I confess that the nearest pub to my first family home was The Cavalier. That is because I represent, and am proud to call my home, the faithful city of Worcester. Famous among historians as the site of both the first and final armed conflicts of the English civil war, Worcester is seen by many as the birthplace of modern parliamentary democracy, and that is fitting for our city. Nestled on the great River Severn and in the shelter of the ancient Malvern hills, Worcester is one of England’s best kept secrets. Rooted in the beauty of nature, and richly decorated by a long and varied history, Worcester is a city deeply informed by the past, and with a record of deeply informing the future.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Well done. Your family will be very proud indeed.
Margaret Mullane
Lab
Dagenham and Rainham
In her maiden speech, Margaret Mullane paid tribute to the rich history of Dagenham and Rainham, including its industrial heritage, social housing projects like the Becontree estate, and political activism such as the fight for equal pay. She highlighted the need for better policing against knife crime, affordable homes, good public services, and promised to advocate for council housing and infrastructure improvements. Mullane also addressed recent issues in her constituency, including a devastating fire at the Spectrum building and ongoing fires at an illegal landfill site.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Ghani congratulated Margaret Mullane on her maiden speech. She expressed confidence in Mullane's ability to advocate for her constituency effectively.
Maldon
Whittingdale praised the contributions of both new MPs, Tom Collins and Margaret Mullane, and highlighted the government's response to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He emphasised the importance of addressing these crises with necessary support measures despite the associated borrowing.
Jon Trickett
Lab
Normanton and Hemsworth
Mr. Trickett pays tribute to the maiden speeches heard during the debate, highlighting the importance of supporting working-class communities. He criticises the Conservative party for showing a lack of humility and remorse for past failures such as high poverty levels, NHS waiting lists, and poor economic investment. He argues that the current Labour budget is beginning to turn the page on these issues by introducing policies like a wealth tax and focusing on equitable growth. Mr. Trickett also points out significant disparities in transport funding between regions such as London and Yorkshire, stressing the importance of accessible public transportation for rural communities lacking car access. He expresses concern over the increase in bus fares from £2 to £3, which he believes will exacerbate existing issues. Finally, he underscores the need for more equitable investment across different regions to address productivity and wage disparities.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
The speaker expressed relief after the Budget announcement and highlighted several issues impacting North East Fife, including railway infrastructure funding, Access for All schemes for disabled access to train stations, uncertainties with shared prosperity fund and community ownership fund funding cuts. She also discussed health and social care challenges in Scotland, noting significant NHS funding increases but stressing the need for action from the Scottish Government. Additionally, she critiqued business rates changes affecting hospitality and tourism sectors and the impact of alcohol duty on Scotch whisky production, as well as inheritance tax changes on agricultural property relief.
Roz Savage
Lib Dem
South Cotswolds
Asked Wendy Chamberlain if she agreed that more resources needed to be dedicated to restoring nature and supporting farmers for food security, which are crucial foundations of Britain's economy and society.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Pays tribute to predecessor Hannah Bardell and highlights the rich history of Livingston. Mentions the Chancellor's announcement in the Budget about returning investment reserve funds to miners, affecting 144 former miners in Livingston with an average increase of £29 per week in pension. Emphasises the importance of social justice and economic growth in his constituency. Criticises recent political instability and emphasises the significance of the current Labour budget for public services and families across Scotland.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Congratulates Gregor Poynton on his maiden speech. Acknowledges positive aspects of the Budget, such as compensation schemes for infected blood victims and fuel duty freeze, but expresses concerns about independent schools in her constituency and lack of support for the Sussex wine sector.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
Responds to an intervention from Yuan Yang regarding NHS funding priorities. Refuses to comment directly on whether she would be part of a programme overseeing cuts across public services if the Conservative party were still in government.
Maya Ellis
Lab
Ribble Valley
I am one of those exceptionally lucky MPs who have lived in their constituency most of my life. The Ribble Valley is a patchwork of history and future, with places like Bamber Bridge and Samlesbury that showcase our country's resilience and progress. I work to keep communities safe and kinder while also supporting the establishment of the National Cyber Force, which will lead our country’s research in cyber security. My constituency has wonderful transport links and stunning countryside, including parts of the Trough of Bowland where locals come together for celebrations like the Lostock Hall carnival and Broughton scarecrow festival. As an MP, I aim to make life more tenable and joyful for families, ensuring that children have the support and love they deserve.
Nusrat Ghani
Con
Sussex Weald
That was very inspirational.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Congratulates the new Labour Government on their good intentions but criticises the Budget for being disconnected from reality. Describes the Budget as a reversion to failed policies of the 1960s and 1970s, arguing that it will harm wealth creators and reduce incentives to save for pensions. Also highlights the impact of increased taxes on businesses in the hospitality sector.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Defends Germany's economic performance, noting its strong industrial strategy and consistent economic growth over 30 years. Argues that Labour's policies will produce a similar economic outcome.
Richard Baker
Lab
Glenrothes and Mid Fife
This Budget is fixing the foundations of our economy, which lifted 900,000 children out of poverty during the last Labour Government. Richard Baker criticises the current administration's rise in food bank usage and economic mismanagement. He emphasises that his government will redistribute wealth, tackle poverty, and invest in growth, contrasting this with past failures from both the Conservative Party and SNP. The Budget promises an additional £3.4 billion for Scotland to improve public services, including investment in GB Energy and renewables infrastructure in Glenrothes and Mid Fife. He also highlights the pension triple lock protection and social care improvements.
Bernard Jenkin
Con
Harwich and North Essex
Intervened to point out that food banks started under Tony Blair, suggesting a shared responsibility for addressing poverty across different approaches to economic policy. He argues that this Budget will result in more poor people.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Acknowledged the mention of her constituency but criticised Richard Baker's criticism of SNP by pointing out similar issues with Labour's 'jobs for the boys' practice. She urged him to look at internal party issues as well.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
The speaker welcomed the Budget's freeze on fuel duty and increase in SEND funding, but criticised other aspects such as the suspension of key NHS infrastructure projects, VAT on independent school fees, increased employer national insurance contributions, cuts to business rates relief, bus fare cap increase, removal of winter fuel payment for pensioners, lack of commitment to 2.5% GDP defence spending, and the impact of policy changes on agriculture and biosecurity.
Christopher Vince
Lab Co-op
Harlow
Acknowledged that Neil Hudson welcomed investment in schools with RAAC but questioned why this was not done earlier when Essex County Council identified the issue in 2012. Also highlighted his work on lobbying for funding for the new Princess Alexandra hospital.
Frank McNally
Lab
Coatbridge and Bellshill
Commends the Budget for addressing the economic mismanagement of the previous Government, providing record funding for Scotland (£47 billion block grant + £3.4 billion in Barnett consequentials), tackling fundamental injustices such as the infected blood scandal and mineworkers pension scheme, committing to a pay rise for 200,000 Scots by increasing the national minimum wage, supporting young people with higher wages, and providing towns like Coatbridge with £20 million through the towns fund.
Bobby Dean
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
The first Budget of a new Government is always significant, but one can rarely have been set in such tricky circumstances. This one comes following a series of major shocks—some external and unpredictable, as well as policy decisions—and the long shadow of the financial crisis and over a decade’s worth of cuts to public services. Growth has been sluggish, cost of living high, and tax capability diminished. Healthcare is the biggest issue for constituents; while there's an injection of cash into the NHS, questions remain about its sustainability. Capital expenditure should focus on vital infrastructure projects like St Helier hospital. Social care remains a significant gap with inadequate funding, impacting local authorities and NHS efficiency. The Labour Government’s plan to be more punitive in work capability assessments is misguided. There are many people like my dad who need healthcare support to return to work rather than being labelled as benefit cheats. Tax needs an honest conversation; the £40 billion increase must align with realistic figures. Growth should not solely focus on GDP but consider other measures of success.
Sarah Russell
Lab
Congleton
Sarah Russell, Labour MP for Congleton, congratulated the Chancellor on the Budget, highlighting its contribution to economic growth and improvement of public services. She praised measures addressing RAAC crisis in hospitals like Leighton hospital in Crewe, emphasising the need for long-term investment rather than short-term fixes. She also mentioned the increase in disability facilities grant, state pension through the triple lock, and the introduction of a kinship allowance trial. Additionally, she welcomed the allocation to improve schools and address child poverty, including free breakfast clubs and increases in the national minimum wage. Furthermore, she appreciated steps towards fixing roads and supporting small businesses, such as tackling shoplifting.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
The Conservative MP criticises the Labour Government's economic policies, highlighting high debt levels and tax increases. He argues that past Labour governments have left the country in a worse state economically compared to when they started. Rosindell warns of future financial instability due to current spending practices and calls for more efficient use of funds, focusing on low taxes and incentivising enterprise growth. He also addresses concerns over local government funding fairness and the need for reform to support local services.
Mary Glindon
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Progressive Governments are judged on whether they deliver higher standards, and I welcome the direction of travel that our first woman Chancellor took yesterday. The cost of living will be taken into account when calculating the national minimum wage for the first time, with a 16.3% increase for 18 to 20-year-olds. The Budget can safeguard existing jobs in the north-east and help create new well-paid jobs. Offshore energy sector contributes £416 million and more than 4,500 good jobs overall. I welcome the Government’s commitment to look at unwinding the energy profit levy and finding a new permanent regime which can give companies and investors confidence. The trade unions are keen and willing to play their part in supporting workers during transition and providing retraining and working standards for all. A successful home-grown energy transition has the potential to deliver economic growth, with UK offshore energy companies potentially investing £200 billion this decade alone. I welcome the 6% real-terms increase in spending on SEND and alternative provision; however, there are concerns about the reduction in the deductions cap and the commitment to reform the work capability assessment. The tax on vaping liquid from 2026 will discourage smokers from quitting and hurt working people throughout the north-east.
Scott Arthur
Lab
Edinburgh South West
The Budget is transformative, providing stability and growth for public services in Scotland. It sets a record-breaking £47.7 billion for the Scottish Government’s budget in 2025-26, which will benefit constituents and promote investment and growth. The measures include closing age banding on the living wage, protecting working Scots, and laying foundations for a new era of investment and growth. Arthur criticises SNP members for claiming austerity despite increased funding from Labour, highlighting mismanagement in Scotland’s finances under their governance.
Alex Ballinger
Lab
Halesowen
Every single Member on these Labour Benches represents a mandate: a mandate we were given by the British people when they voted for change. People across my constituency have shared countless stories of their struggles to cope with rising bills and stagnant wages. The Budget focuses on fixing the foundations of our economy, increasing the national living wage by 6.7%, raising carer’s allowance earnings limit, investing £25 billion in NHS and providing vital funds for town centres like Halesowen. It is a Labour Budget that will deliver growth, investment, fair taxation and stability.
Graeme Downie
Lab
Dunfermline and Dollar
This Budget delivers over £100 billion in public investment, maintains the fuel duty freeze, supports electric vehicles and abolishes non-dom tax loopholes. It also increases the employment allowance for small businesses to £10,500 and provides a total of £47.7 billion for Scotland, including an additional £1.5 billion this financial year. The SNP must abandon their austerity programme and use the funding wisely to deliver for the people of Scotland. We need investment in further education and infrastructure projects like the port of Rosyth.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Welcomes the Labour Budget, highlights its investment in economic growth and public services. Criticises Conservatives for their lack of willingness to fund improvements. Emphasises the potential of the Thames estuary as an engine of growth. Supports the creation of infrastructure such as a lower Thames crossing to boost local job creation. Acknowledges NHS challenges but supports the Chancellor’s £25 billion investment over two years to reduce waiting times. Advocates for extending sugar tax to milk-based drinks and other unhealthy products, emphasising the need to address health inequalities through community activities. Discusses the importance of early diagnosis in dementia care within the NHS framework. Welcomes measures to improve special educational needs funding and boost visible neighbourhood policing, addressing antisocial behaviour.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Sobel criticises the government's budget for focusing on 'fixing foundations' instead of addressing economic failure, citing food bank statistics in Leeds. He praises NHS investment but highlights infrastructure challenges in Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust due to outdated facilities with maintenance costs exceeding £630 million. Sobel advocates for prioritising Leeds hospitals of the future project, which promises significant economic benefits and job creation. He also mentions the National Poetry Centre's funding under review and expresses hope for its revival. Finally, he supports devolution success in West Yorkshire, particularly praising commitments to mass transit.
Andy MacNae
Lab
Rossendale and Darwen
MacNae commends the maiden speeches made by his colleagues and criticises Conservative analysis regarding business payroll increases and national versus household budgets. He supports the Budget for reversing cuts in northern rail infrastructure, connecting cities and towns with faster trains, and committing to local transport links outside key city regions. MacNae welcomes funds for Darwen and Rawtenstall's growth deals and town funds, endorsing integrated settlements for mayoral combined authorities as a means of decentralising power. He appreciates the rise in national living wage introduced by the Chancellor.
Christopher Vince
Lab Co-op
Harlow
As a former councillor who served on a council that was Labour-controlled for nine of the 14 years under Conservative Government-imposed austerity, I recognise the challenges involved in crafting a budget. Despite this, I congratulate the Chancellor and her team for balancing the books while protecting services and staff during difficult times. The Budget includes £22.6 billion of resources to the NHS, delivering additional funding for schools, prisons, local roads, and extending the household support fund.
Gareth Davies
Con
Grantham and Bourne
I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the shadow Chancellor for his service on our Front Bench. This debate has had a number of excellent contributions, including some maiden speeches from new MPs like Tom Collins, Margaret Mullane, Gregor Poynton, and Maya Ellis. However, Labour's Budget breaks economic fundamentals with higher taxes, debt, and inflation. The OBR predicts that the economy will suffer due to higher tax burdens, increased interest rates, and falling employment. Growth has been downgraded by the OBR as a result of this Budget, which is not what was promised during the election campaign.
James Murray
Lab Co-op
Ealing North
I thank my right hon. Friend for opening today’s debate, and for so clearly reminding us of the state in which the Conservatives left our country. Yesterday's Budget made choices about the long-term future of the UK economy and public finances, restoring economic stability, fixing public finances, and boosting sustainable investment. The Chancellor's Budget honoured manifesto commitments by creating opportunities throughout the country and putting money into people’s pockets while addressing urgent pressures on NHS, schools, police, and borders.
The Budget outlines two robust fiscal rules for long-term financial sustainability: the stability rule focusing on balancing day-to-day spending with tax receipts without borrowing; and the investment rule ensuring debt falls as a share of GDP. HMRC will recruit 5000 compliance officers to close the tax gap and raise additional revenue before any changes to tax rates are made.
The Budget also includes abolishing non-dom tax loophole, ending VAT exemption for private schools, increasing stamp duty land tax surcharge on second homes, and reforming agricultural property relief. These reforms will not impact family farms significantly as they still provide substantial relief within the context of fiscal responsibility.
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