Ways and Means

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South and Walkden

Critiques the Government's approach to Brexit and productivity issues.

Jonathan Edwards

Points out that the Office for Budget Responsibility’s report highlights economic stagnation due to low productivity since 2010, questioning why successive Governments have failed to address these issues.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Highlights the collapse of the long-term private rented sector into Airbnb in his region, urging for planning law changes to allow communities to control their housing stock.

Barbara Keeley

Critiques the lack of support for unpaid family carers in the Budget and notes that caring responsibilities are a major reason why people cannot work or have reduced hours.

Desmond Swayne Con

New Forest West

Argues for tax reforms to address the inequity faced by families where one parent stays at home for full-time childcare compared to couples where both parents work.

Roger Gale Con

Herne Bay and Sandwich

Called out the late arrival of Alan Brown and emphasised that interventions are the prerogative of the speaker.

Alan Brown

Critiqued government measures on annual allowance as excessive, questioned whether cross-party Brexit discussions included issues caused by ending freedom of movement in health, social care, hospitality and agricultural sectors.

Stephen Kinnock Lab

Aberafan Maesteg

Asked the Secretary of State about Labour's steel renewal fund plan for Port Talbot steelworks and whether the Government has a similar plan, noting that Tata Steel may close one blast furnace by July if no support is given.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

Asked about the CBI report on climate change investment and highlighted that UK investment in public spending on climate change was lower than Germany, France, the US, the EU, and the World Bank.

John Baron

Discussed unemployment rates under Labour Governments, suggested a small firms regime to address regulation complexity for SMEs, emphasising their role in employment.

Anna McMorrin Lab

Cardiff North

Criticised the Government for promoting coal mining and issuing new oil and gas licences while not investing in onshore wind energy, questioning the commitment to a sustainable future.

Catherine McKinnell Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne North

Questioned about levelling-up funding issues, pointing out that advertising for Newcastle had mistakenly mentioned Newcastle-upon-Lyme.

Simon Clarke

Asked whether the Secretary of State agrees with effective devolution to local government structures as a way to address left-behind communities in towns such as Middlesbrough.

Ed Miliband Lab

Doncaster North

The Budget fails to address pressing issues like rising energy bills, the cost of living crisis, and the abolition of pension tax relief lifetime allowance. The government's priorities are skewed towards benefiting the wealthiest individuals rather than addressing urgent social needs.

Simon Clarke Con

Mole Valley

The Chancellor's priorities align with those of Teesside, emphasising the carbon capture and storage investment and its transformative impact on industries. The announcement that Hartlepool nuclear power station will continue for two more years is welcomed. £20 million was secured for Eston Square by a fellow MP, alongside previous investments in other communities, indicating progress towards levelling up. Childcare costs were addressed with bold measures to make it affordable and fairer for families. The abolition of the lifetime allowance on pensions benefits doctors and addresses workforce issues. However, concerns remain about corporation tax increases affecting business investment decisions.

Alan Brown SNP

Clydebank and Milport

The Budget fails to support Scottish economic growth, with the highest energy bills in the UK and a cut to GDP due to Brexit. The whisky industry faces a 10% tax increase while other alcohol producers receive subsidies. Acorn was overlooked despite being crucial for meeting emission targets. Renewable energy projects like Coire Glas need urgent funding. Tidal stream project MeyGen has seen cost increases but risks losing support from the Budget. Nuclear energy projects, such as Sizewell C and small modular reactors (SMRs), are over budget and delayed, adding billions to energy bills with no clear benefit. The focus should be on renewables, storage, green hydrogen, and efficiency upgrades.

Valerie Vaz Lab

Walsall and Bloxwich

The speaker criticised the Chancellor's Budget, arguing that it failed to address pressing issues such as union strikes, junior doctors' pay disputes, and local enterprise partnerships. She pointed out specific areas of concern including education funding cuts, social care shortages, and infrastructure neglect. The speaker also highlighted accessibility issues for individuals with disabilities and called for better collaboration in scientific research.

Anthony Browne Con

West Dorset

We have a problem with economic growth in the UK, which is important for job creation and improving public services. However, economic challenges are not unique to the UK but affect the developed world due to the financial crisis, pandemic, and cost of living issues caused by Ukraine's invasion. Since 2010, despite these challenges, the UK has seen a 21% increase in GDP, outperforming most European countries and Japan. The unemployment rate has halved since 2010, demonstrating strong performance compared to other nations. Key measures for growth include increasing worker participation through childcare reforms and pension changes, and promoting business investment with full expensing tax relief.

Debbie Abrahams Lab

Oldham East and Saddleworth

The British social attitudes survey shows that people want fairness in society, especially concerning hard work rewards, policy application, and respect for vulnerable citizens. The Budget does not address structural inequalities leading to high death rates during the pandemic and a significant drop in life expectancy. Despite direct taxes affecting higher-income groups, indirect taxes negatively impact lower-income individuals. Public spending lacks real-term investment in services like social care. Moreover, there is no evidence that unemployment is due to comfortable social security benefits; many are out of work due to sickness or long covid. While pleased with childcare reforms, the speaker calls for addressing elder care and stopping scapegoating sick and disabled people.

Andrew Jones Con

Harrogate and Knaresborough

Welcomes the projected fall in inflation to 2.9% by the end of this year, emphasising boosting supply through productivity improvements as central to tackling inflation's underlying causes. Supports changes in capital allowances allowing up to 100% tax relief on investments in plant and machinery for companies, which is critical for international competitiveness despite being costly. Welcomes measures to boost work participation including reforming universal credit and expanding childcare. Praises the measure addressing pension issues such as those faced by senior NHS staff, encouraging provision and simplicity in policy-making. Commends the Budget's focus on long-term productivity and growth through supply-side reforms.

Douglas Chapman SNP

Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East

Critiques the economic impact of Tory austerity policies, highlighting that Britain is projected to contract this year while other wealthy countries grow. Points out food bank reliance due to financial hardships and questions the effectiveness of the 'levelling up' agenda. Discusses rising inflation affecting grocery bills and family budgets. Raises concerns about wage stagnation and household income falling behind European neighbours post-Brexit, describing it as an 'epic failure'. Criticises Brexit’s impact on trade relationships and new taxes on exports like Scotch whisky. Emphasises the need for truth-telling regarding fiscal mismanagement.

Jack Lopresti Con

Filton and Bradley Stoke

Supports increased defence spending, noting the £11 billion increase over five years on top of a previous record £24 billion. Highlights funding for ammunition stocks, modernisation of nuclear enterprise, and support for the AUKUS submarine programme. Advocates for more investment in defence despite budget constraints, citing deterrent effectiveness versus conflict costs. Commends military aid to Ukraine at least £2.3 billion this year, leading European support. Welcomes the Office for Veterans’ Affairs funding increase supporting veteran transition to civilian life and housing needs. Emphasises positive economic impacts including job creation, apprenticeships in diverse sectors, and introduction of returnerships for over-50s.

Simon Fell Con

Wyre and Preston North

While praising the Budget's focus on growth, energy security, and the environment, he highlighted three areas of importance: energy support, energy security, and the environment. He supported interventions such as the £94 billion cost of living package, which shields families from inflation pressures and continues to freeze fuel duty and end the premium on prepayment metres.

Stephen Doughty Lab Co-op

Cardiff South and Penarth

The Budget will fail to address many concerns of constituents. Small and medium-sized businesses are short-changed with £27 billion directed at big business, while co-operatives and mutuals struggle under the current Government's policies. The creative industries in his constituency are worth £115.9 billion but face cuts to the BBC orchestra and singers due to energy costs impacting grassroots music venues. Steel and green steel industries also lack a clear industrial strategy from the Government.

Elliot Colburn Con

Carshalton and Wallington

The Budget tackles high inflation by extending the energy price cap, introducing free childcare hours to support working parents returning to work, and taking decisive action on various measures such as frozen fuel duty. It also includes a major advance in healthcare and positive changes regarding pensions.

Catherine McKinnell Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne North

The Budget fails to adequately address childcare reform and the living standards crisis, leaving working people poorer despite increasing costs for mortgages and energy. It prioritises tax cuts for the richest 1% instead of supporting those in need.

Siobhan Baillie Con

Stroud

The Chancellor's Budget recognises the importance of small businesses and families, implementing sensible changes to help with fuel, energy costs, recruitment pressures for businesses, and other measures. It also includes significant steps towards reforming and stimulating the early years and childcare sector.

Carolyn Harris Lab

Neath and Swansea East

The Chancellor's Budget failed to address the needs of those struggling with negative economic growth, high inflation, and food insecurity. The abolition of the £1 million cap on private pensions benefits only the wealthiest individuals while millions struggle to afford basic necessities like food and housing. Women facing menopausal challenges are particularly affected by a lack of workplace support, leading many to leave jobs early or reduce hours, which can result in reduced national insurance contributions and reliance on pension credit.

Ben Spencer Con

Runnymede and Weybridge

The Budget is seen as positive for economic growth and inflation reduction. Key points include improvements to childcare through increased subsidised hours, better rates, and supply-side reforms that will make a significant difference in enabling parents to return to work. Additionally, the £2.5 billion investment into quantum science research demonstrates commitment to maintaining UK's leadership in high-tech industries. The Budget also includes critical funding for the Animal and Plant Health Agency, which is vital for national security against zoonotic diseases.

Angela Crawley

The cost of living crisis remains unresolved with energy bills, mortgage rates, and child poverty still high. The Budget's welfare conditionality measures will force more people into insecure work without providing stability or lifting them out of poverty. Despite an increase in the national minimum wage, it falls short of a real living wage that could alleviate poverty and enhance economic contribution. While welcoming childcare policy improvements, Crawley argues they do not go far enough to address gender pay gaps or reduce discrimination against women in the workplace.

John Baron Con

Basildon and Billericay

Supports the Budget but raises concerns about financial services and economic growth. Emphasises the threat to London's financial centre, suggesting that pension funds should adopt a less risk-averse approach for long-term investment growth. Advocates for tax incentives to encourage investment in technology companies and addresses the need for continual monitoring of subsidies and investments from US and EU.

Naseem Shah Lab

Bradford West

Critiques the Budget, describing it as a 'sticking-plaster' approach that fails to support working people. Cites data showing high levels of poverty in Bradford West and across the UK. Condemns lack of support for small businesses with their energy bills during crisis periods and criticises tax cuts favouring top earners over ordinary citizens.

Alexander Stafford Con

Rother Valley

Celebrates the Budget, highlighting £12 million allocated to Dinnington high street regeneration as part of a larger capital project. Emphasises local efforts and collaboration between MPs, councillors, and community groups in securing this funding. Urges continued investment for other areas within Rother Valley.

Mohammad Yasin Lab

Bedford

The Chancellor's Budget failed to deliver on the expectations of many constituents in Bedford and Kempston, who are worried about the state of the NHS, police presence, and infrastructure projects. The extension of the energy price cap scheme is not enough when households struggle daily. Moreover, issues like mental health services for adults and young people, policing misclassification affecting urban areas, and delayed East West Rail route announcements have been ignored by the Government. Yasin emphasises the need for Labour’s plans to empower communities, invest in the economy, and improve public services.

Simon Baynes

Welcoming the Budget, Simon Baynes highlights its aim of halving inflation, growing the economy, and reducing debt. According to OBR analysis, these targets will be met by 2027-28. He notes the UK's economic growth since 2010 compared to other countries. He supports childcare reforms like extending free childcare hours and changes in staff-to-child ratios for two-year-olds. Baynes also endorses tax cuts for business investment to encourage productivity, especially in his constituency of Clwyd South. Additionally, he praises measures to help disabled people and the long-term sick return to work.

Neale Hanvey

Hanvey criticises the Budget as not addressing the financial crisis faced by many Scots daily. He cites an elderly constituent rationing energy usage for warmth. The Budget barely provides support for Scotland, with no revenue or jobs coming from increased electricity generation in eight years. Despite the Chancellor's focus on enterprise and education, Hanvey notes a lack of opportunities and jobs in construction and renewables in Scotland. Moreover, carbon capture projects like Acorn are not supported by the Government. Hanvey concludes that this Budget is an exploitation of Scotland and its people.

Laura Farris Con

Newbury

Commends the Chancellor for providing additional funding to childcare services, acknowledging the financial pressure nurseries are under due to rising costs. Emphasises that women's employment is severely affected by childcare costs and supports the provision of free or subsidised childcare as a key priority for reducing inequality in pay, promotion opportunities, pension saving, and leadership.

Marsha de Cordova Lab

Battersea

Critiques the Chancellor's Budget for lacking a long-term plan for growth despite 13 years of Tory rule. Highlights issues with childcare reforms being too slow to implement and ineffective measures aimed at getting disabled people back into work. Emphasises the need to focus on barriers faced by those returning to work, such as an inaccessible transport network and workplace discrimination.

Selaine Saxby Con

North Devon

Welcomes positive measures in the Budget but focuses on issues affecting affordable housing, particularly noting the impact of short-term rental incentives over long-term rentals. Advocates for revisiting VAT thresholds to support small businesses and improving housing conditions that affect productivity and workforce recruitment.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Twickenham

Emphasises the importance of education as an investment in the future. Criticises the Budget's childcare policy, arguing that it is underfunded and restricts access to working parents only. Highlights the issue of rising energy bills for schools, stating that Liberal Democrats would extend existing relief schemes. Addresses cuts to capital spending on education and the danger posed by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in school buildings. Condemns the lack of free school meals for children in poverty.

Jerome Mayhew Con

Broadland and Fakenham

Highlights measures to help with cost of living but focuses on structural weaknesses in the economy that need addressing. Discusses business investment, labour market participation, and productivity issues. Mentions improvements for tech sector including innovation accelerators, supercomputers, quantum strategy, digital technology regulations, and faster approval processes for new medicines. Acknowledges increased corporation tax but praises full expensing within 12 months to encourage business investment.

Alex Sobel Lab Co-op

Leeds Central and Headingley

Critiques the lack of comprehensive funding settlement for Leeds, highlighting transport issues, housing affordability, poverty rates, and rejected levelling-up bids. Expresses concern over austerity measures affecting local authorities' finances. Supports devolution through trailblazer deals but calls for extension to other areas. Questions the effectiveness of the UK Infrastructure Bank in Leeds.

Paul Bristow Con

Peterborough

I support the Budget and highlight significant investments in Peterborough, including £34 million for a new engineering university, £23 million to regenerate the city centre, millions for a pedestrian bridge across the River Nene, NHS investment, and station quarter regeneration. These capital investments total around £100 million and are transformative for the local economy and life chances of residents.

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South and Walkden

The Chancellor's claims are undermined by OBR downgrading long-term growth forecasts. Labour aims to seek economic growth through a green prosperity plan and coherent industrial strategy, unlike the Government's approach. I highlight childcare costs in Bolton, which demand 60% of weekly pay, £400 a week, making it unaffordable for families. Since 2020, 4,000 childcare providers have closed, worsening the situation.

Anna Firth Con

Southend West

I praise the Chancellor and Treasury team for delivering a serious Budget in challenging times. The Budget supports my constituents with £3,300 of support per household last year and this year, aiding with inflation, energy costs, and childcare. I welcome predictions of returning to growth next year and reducing inflation to 2.9% by the end of the year.

Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Benefited from the 30 hours’ free childcare policy but raised concerns about funding gaps for nurseries. Criticised the Government's lack of support for small businesses and communities, highlighting economic stagnation and widening inequality. Emphasised the importance of co-operation in economic growth and criticised the Chancellor for failing to outline a plan to support the co-operative movement. Suggested cutting energy bills as an easy way to support small businesses.

Anna McMorrin Lab

Cardiff North

Critiqued the Budget's failure to address the cost of living crisis, economic recovery, and green agenda. Highlighted the IPCC report on climate change and criticised the Government for failing to invest in renewable energy. Stressed the impact of increased fuel poverty and financial insecurity among constituents, emphasising the need for immediate action.

Sam Tarry Lab

Ilford South

Discussed the negative economic impacts of Conservative policies over 13 years, including stagnant wages, rapid inflation, and public sector pay cuts. Criticised the Budget's focus on tax cuts for corporations while ignoring workers' demands for better pay and conditions. Emphasised the need for a real wage increase to address recruitment issues in key professions such as nursing and teaching.

Jeremy Corbyn Ind

Islington North

Corbyn highlighted several issues including the doubling of child food poverty to 4 million, public sector pay lagging behind inflation, and the need for a £15 an hour minimum wage. He also called for nationalisation of energy companies to control prices and tackle global warming, rent freezes in private rental sectors, a wealth tax on the top 1%, and criticism of government policy towards refugees.

Martin Docherty Lab

Constituency not specified

Docherty critiqued the Chancellor's praise for small independent northern neighbours and childcare policies. He pointed out flaws in the Dutch childcare system, suggesting it forces women into part-time work leading to a lower income compared to men and a significant gender pay gap. He advocated for local authority-led provision of childcare as seen in Denmark and Finland.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Jones highlighted the negative impacts of the Budget on long-term growth, household incomes, public services, and families' living standards. He criticised the handout to wealthy pension savers as a misplaced priority. He called for policies like reversing changes in tax-free pension allowances and implementing windfall taxes on oil producers to aid struggling families.

Janet Daby Lab

Lewisham East

The fiscal statement under the Government of Elizabeth Truss is the worst since I entered this place. Thirteen years of Tory government have led to a crisis in public institutions, manifesting in widespread strikes across civil servants, teachers, and ambulance drivers. Despite some positives, the Budget's low growth forecasts, its impact on food scarcity due to Brexit, and its failure to address immigration issues highlight ongoing policy failures. The Government failed to invest adequately in childcare affordability and school buildings, missed opportunities for green job creation, and neglected the cost of living crisis.

Ben Lake PC

Ceredigion Preseli

With falling living standards and high energy bills, the Budget failed to provide adequate support for households and small businesses. Rural areas suffer from poor digital connectivity and are at a competitive disadvantage compared to urban areas. Investment in gigabit broadband roll-out is crucial but faces delays. The lack of consequential funding for HS2 projects hampers public transport improvements in rural Wales. Overall, the Budget fails to address immediate economic challenges and future prosperity for rural communities.

John Martin McDonnell Lab

Hayes and Harlington

The current banking crisis requires caution; stress tests on banks and a pause on financial deregulation are needed. Workers' pay disputes continue despite settlements in some sectors, reflecting deep-seated anger over 13 years of pay freezes and cuts. Young people struggling with low pay and debt from higher education are increasingly reacting to societal injustices. Unpaid carers also face poverty and hardship, demanding recognition and financial support.

Andrew Gwynne Ind

Gorton and Denton

The Chancellor's claim that 'the plan is working' contradicts the OECD report showing the UK as the weakest economy in the G7. The new devolution deal for Greater Manchester may help, but it only benefits 9% of the population while neglecting others. Bloomberg’s levelling-up scorecard shows declining local economic indicators, and levelling-up investment bids from Tameside Council have been rejected.

Beth Winter Lab

Cynon Valley

The Budget was out of touch with the cost-of-living crisis and did not address issues such as wage stagnation and benefit sanctions. Wales faces a £1.1 billion funding shortfall, risking 1,000 academic jobs in higher education. The UK Government profited from national mineworkers’ pension scheme funds intended for former workers and their families. HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail projects have not delivered promised economic benefits to Wales.

Richard Burgon Lab

Leeds East

The Chancellor's Budget failed to address the cost of living crisis adequately, highlighting that British billionaires are increasing their wealth while public sector workers struggle. The Government could have implemented taxes on wealth to raise £30 billion but chose not to due to political pressures.

Helen Morgan Lib Dem

North Shropshire

This Budget was disappointing for North Shropshire and rural communities, with funding allocated based on political considerations rather than need. The active travel fund has been cut, and energy costs are threatening small businesses and public amenities like swimming pools.

Margaret Ferrier

While there were welcome measures for life sciences research and reduced fuel duty rates, the increased tax on Scotch whisky is a blow to the spirits industry. The cost of living remains the primary concern for constituents, with energy costs increasing by £400 annually and pensioners facing further challenges.

Gavin Newlands SNP

Paisley and Renfrewshire North

Last week's Budget missed an opportunity to embrace net zero and decarbonise the economy for sustainable growth. The active travel budget was slashed, with Scotland receiving £30 per person compared to less than £1 in England outside London. Investments were directed towards nuclear power instead of renewables like green hydrogen and tidal energy. Rail operators in Scotland have been state-supported for public benefit, while south of the border there is incompetence and delay. Public charge points rollout was slow, with targets not met.

Margaret Greenwood Lab

Blackpool North and Cleveleys

The Chancellor's tax break to some of the wealthiest people in society by scrapping the £1.07 million lifetime pensions allowance is unacceptable while personal income tax thresholds are frozen until 2028. This will force 3.2 million people into paying tax for the first time and put 2.1 million people into the higher rate tax band, impacting child poverty. The Budget contained no mention of the UK’s 4 million children in poverty and announced stricter sanctions on social security claimants who fail to meet work search requirements or choose not to take up a reasonable job offer.

Pat McFadden Lab

Wolverhampton South East

Paid tribute to Members who participated in the Budget debate, highlighting contributions from colleagues and discussing the cost of living crisis. He criticised the current economic situation under Conservative stewardship, pointing out that Britain's recovery from the pandemic is the slowest among G7 nations. McFadden also noted the negative impacts of past Tory policies like the disastrous mini-Budget last year and questioned whether the country is better off now than when the Tories took office in 2010. He welcomed the Chancellor’s honesty about owning his party's actions over the past 13 years, despite acknowledging some positive measures called for by Labour.

John Glen Con

Salisbury

The Government is taking difficult decisions to manage the nation’s finances prudently and responsibly, leading to lower inflation rates, reduced debt-servicing costs, and a stable economic forecast. The Budget aims to halve inflation by 2023, reduce national debt, and promote sustainable long-term growth through various measures such as simplifying childcare support, expanding employment opportunities, overhauling business incentives, and supporting green energy sectors. Despite criticisms from the opposition, Glen highlights that since the Conservatives came into power in 2010, unemployment has been halved, inequality reduced, and a million workless households removed. Additionally, significant contributions were made by shadow ministers focusing on levelling up across the UK, cost of living support for households, public sector pay adjustments, and addressing energy crises.

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