Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

The Budget lacks a credible plan to protect the NHS or fix social care, fails to address economic insecurity and inequality adequately, does not provide sufficient support for unemployment and self-employed individuals, and falls short in tackling environmental issues. The Chancellor's policy of levelling up is insufficiently ambitious, and his plans do not effectively address Brexit-related challenges faced by businesses.

Mel Stride Con

Central Devon

I broadly welcome this Budget, although I say that being aware that the devil is always in the detail of Budgets. The measures taken by the Chancellor around furlough, support for the self-employed and the extension of VAT reduction and business rate relief are most welcome. I also welcome the targeted elements introduced to address recovery gaps. The 30% turnover threshold accurately targets relief where it's needed. I am disappointed not to have heard something about directors working through their own limited companies who do not qualify for furlough support. However, I was pleased to see the Chancellor take on board new self-assessment tax information which will help many people who would otherwise fall through the gaps in support. I want to focus on three important areas: corporate debt, investment and skills. My concern is that many SMEs might struggle with their level of debt and not grow when we need them to create jobs for the future. The super deduction and loss carry-back arrangements are positive steps towards encouraging investment, but I am concerned about how SMEs will manage their debt levels. I welcome the Chancellor's approach in navigating the requirement not to put up taxes too early while also making it clear that he is serious about dealing with the deficit and debt. The increase in corporation tax from 19% to 25% might be a reasonable move, given international competitiveness considerations. However, it remains critical to address demographic pressures and ensure the level of debt as a percentage of GDP decreases over time. I also raise concerns about inflation risks due to global trade friction, exchange rate changes, energy costs or tax cuts unwinding. The interplay between supply and demand could lead to inflation spikes as companies bounce back from damage and consumer re-engagement is uncertain. I support the Chancellor's readiness to use fiscal levers appropriately in response.

Ian Blackford SNP

North Skye

The Chancellor has produced a Budget that offers people the bare minimum and fails to provide stimulus necessary for recovery. It lacks ambition and prioritises austerity over growth, hindering productivity and wage increases while deepening poverty. The SNP calls for a substantial investment-led stimulus package of at least 5% of GDP, similar to President Biden's approach. The current Budget falls short in supporting those most affected by the pandemic, including freelancers and self-employed individuals who have been ignored. It also fails to address child poverty, calling on the Chancellor to make the £20 universal credit uplift permanent and abolish the benefit cap. The SNP criticises the Government for reneging on promises related to carbon capture schemes and failing to support Scottish businesses affected by Brexit.

Peter Bottomley Con

The MP pays tribute to Canon Jane Sinclair, acknowledges the Office for Budget Responsibility's report on the economic recovery and fiscal repair job, criticises the lack of attention given to leasehold issues, commonhold, cladding, and excessive property insurance premiums. He also expresses concern over inflation risks affecting mortgage holders and the elderly, advocating for a temporary stop to forfeiture of residential leaseholds during the pandemic. Additionally, he recommends that the Chancellor should consider separate tax codes for different key workers as a way of recognising their contributions.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Welcomes parts of the Budget but expresses concern over its structural issues, the extension of furlough without addressing employer uncertainty, Brexit's impact on businesses and individuals, lack of vision for affordable homes, tackling net zero, and social care. Discusses inequalities in support measures, noting the short-term extension to universal credit uplifts until September. Critiques the lack of clear milestones towards green initiatives targets and supports HMRC investment in fraud and error reduction. Expresses disappointment over housing policies focusing on demand rather than supply and criticises failures in the starter homes project and First Homes initiative. Highlights concerns about net zero commitments and environmental policy inertia.

Kevin Hollinrake Con

Thirsk and Malton

No extracted contribution text available for this contributor yet.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

Commends the Chancellor's Help to Grow package for supporting small businesses which are crucial for economic recovery.

Jeremy Corbyn Ind

Islington North

The Chancellor's Budget does not address the needs of people relying on food banks, mutual aid groups, or facing threats from fire-and-rehire tactics. The furlough scheme lacks a floor and fails to protect workers' conditions and wages in self-employment sectors such as arts. Public sector pay will be hit by a freeze and an income tax rise through the freezing of the tax allowance. NHS, care service, and local government workers are not receiving proper recognition for their pandemic efforts with frozen pay and underfunding. There needs to be a proper funding formula for local services, along with actual pay increases. The Budget should address significant tax evasion and avoidance but does not; statutory sick pay at £95 per week is inadequate and must be increased. Job losses in transport authorities across the north of England highlight the continued unfairness between the north and south.

Katherine Fletcher Con

South Ribble

The Conservative Chancellor has continued to provide substantial financial support during the pandemic, extending spending measures to help people and businesses well into September. This includes furlough schemes and VAT cuts, costing £407 billion. The Government acknowledges that this level of support is expensive but essential for protecting jobs and businesses from the economic impact of the pandemic. The Chancellor outlines plans to manage public finances through future tax increases and corporate contributions without making the UK too different from its G7 peers. Investments in infrastructure and business growth are also announced, with specific mention of a £25 million investment in Leyland's town centre.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

While appreciating the Chancellor’s statement, Christine Jardine criticises the lack of immediate support for small businesses and lower-income individuals. She highlights that a million small businesses are struggling to survive and need financial assistance now rather than two years from now when corporation tax changes will take effect. The Liberal Democrats propose a £50 billion recovery fund and zero business rates policy, calling for more extensive extensions to furlough support, self-employment aid, and the universal credit uplift. She questions why there is no long-term reform of business rates or plans for social care and green industries. Jardine concludes that the Chancellor’s statement falls short in addressing the immediate needs of those most affected by the pandemic.

David Davis Con

Goole and Pocklington

Davis discusses the unprecedented economic challenges facing the UK due to the pandemic, noting that the deficit is the worst since 1944. He praises the Chancellor's handling of the situation but expresses concern about proposed corporation tax increases, which he believes could deter foreign investment. He also highlights the importance of a science superpower strategy and the need for dynamic taxation.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Wilson welcomes the Budget, emphasising its benefits to Northern Ireland and highlighting measures such as maintaining VAT at 5% for hospitality, freezing fuel duty, and providing business rates relief. He expresses concern about the impact of income tax threshold freezes and corporation tax increases on businesses and investment. Wilson also calls for a re-evaluation of air passenger duty given aviation's significant losses during the pandemic.

Douglas Ross Con

Moray

Welcomed the Budget and countered criticisms from the SNP. Emphasised that the Chancellor's statement had ambition for individuals, families, businesses, and the country. Mentioned additional £1.1 billion support from UK Government to Scottish Government enabling a further year of business rates freeze in Scotland. Highlighted various financial supports including furlough scheme, self-employed income support, loans, VAT reduction, universal credit uplift, and investment towards green energy in the north-east. Criticised SNP for calling for increased fuel duty and opposing support for newspaper industry. Urged Scottish Government to ensure UK funding reaches services and businesses effectively. Warned against another independence referendum during recovery.

Seema Malhotra Lab Co-op

Feltham and Heston

The Chancellor's extension of furlough and maintenance of the universal credit uplift are positive, but cutting universal credit at this time would have been unacceptable. The Government’s last-minute changes and U-turns on policies like test and trace support payments demonstrate a lack of planning. Universal credit for those on legacy benefits has not been extended adequately. The pandemic has exposed economic weaknesses and inequalities. A quarter of households had less than £100 in savings before the pandemic, and debt levels have doubled to 1.2 million people due to StepChange's data. Food banks are struggling with stories of children turning up without clean clothes. There is a gender impact, with women more likely to be in debt pre-pandemic. The Chancellor did not address child poverty or provide solutions for rent arrears and mortgage prisoners. Young people face high unemployment rates, while older workers also struggle; work coach hiring has nearly stopped despite increasing case loads. Labour's new jobs promise includes training and job placements for young people and extended guarantees for those over 24 who are unemployed for more than 12 months. Investment in green growth is needed to spread job creation across the UK. A good work standard, community-led co-ops, and support for aviation communities are also required. The Budget failed to provide strong foundations for businesses and families.

Colum Eastwood SDLP

Foyle

The Chancellor's extension of the furlough scheme was long overdue and should never have been in doubt. Brexit’s impact is increasingly clear, with a 0.5% reduction in GDP due to it according to the OBR. Northern Ireland has lost millions in EU funding without replacement by this Government. The protocol offers a competitive advantage for businesses trading into both British and European markets, yet there are no efforts to maximise this benefit or establish investment hubs. There is a significant skills gap in Northern Ireland as thousands leave to study elsewhere and do not return. Corporation tax in Donegal (12.5%) contrasts with Derry's upcoming 25% rate, harming the protocol’s benefits. The absence of support for small retailers and lack of windfall tax on Amazon are notable omissions. NHS workers need more money rather than praise; Northern Ireland’s waiting lists are 100 times longer compared to England’s population despite being smaller.

Simon Fell Con

Barrow and Furness

The speaker supports the Chancellor's Budget, highlighting its significant financial support of £407 billion in total. He emphasises the extension of furlough until September and the universal credit uplift. He praises the restart grants for retail businesses and VAT cut for hospitality to aid economic recovery. The speaker also appreciates new investments and levelling-up initiatives like capacity funding for Barrow, community renewal fund allocation, and manufacturing capital allowances.

Tobias Ellwood Con

Bournemouth East

Ellwood acknowledges the need for short-term fiscal support such as extended furlough scheme, business rates holiday, VAT cut, and alcohol duty freeze. He supports longer-term measures including national infrastructure programmes, green investment, and veterans' mental health support. He thanks the Chancellor for town deal investments in Boscombe. Ellwood raises concerns about digital market dominance and taxation of tech giants like Google, and discusses geopolitical challenges posed by China's growing influence.

Chris Elmore Lab

Bridgend

Elmore criticises the Chancellor's handling of support measures during the pandemic, highlighting that many individuals in his constituency have been left without financial aid despite significant loss. He emphasises the emotional and economic burden imposed by the pandemic and notes that while he supports the recent changes to help some excluded people, these actions are too little, too late compared to the Welsh Labour Government's proactive approach. Elmore also points out the importance of mental health support during this time and laments the lack of ambition in the Budget regarding future economic recovery.

Mark Harper

Harper commends the Chancellor for his measures to protect jobs and livelihoods during the pandemic, highlighting a reduction in unemployment forecasts. He welcomes specific funding allocations for his constituency, such as support for local authority bids in the levelling-up fund and continued reductions in VAT for hospitality businesses. Harper also stresses the importance of getting public finances back on track through controlled spending growth and necessary tax increases to prepare for future crises.

David Mundell Con

Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale

Believes today’s Budget is good news for his constituency, focusing on defeating the pandemic and continuing support for local people and businesses. Mentions benefits from furlough scheme and self-employment scheme. Lobbied to retain £20 uplift on universal credit and VAT cut for hospitality industry. Criticises Scottish Government's handling of funds from UK Government. Opposes fuel duty rises, welcoming its freeze again this year. Advocates legislation regarding access to cash issues.

Geraint Davies

Critiques the Chancellor’s failure to address high coronavirus death rate and deep recession in the UK compared to G7 nations. Expresses concern over inequality increase, council tax rises, pay freezes for public sector workers, benefit squeezes and service cuts. Highlights successful devolution efforts in Wales, advocating for fairer distribution of funds and investment. Emphasises need for sustainable transport investments and greener future policies.

Barry Gardiner Lab

Brent West

Discusses the economic impact of coronavirus and its relation to environmental issues like climate change and biodiversity loss. Argues that today’s Budget should address management of natural capital rather than just money allocation. Critiques lack of transformational changes towards green industrial revolution, sustainability incentives, job retraining schemes for zero-carbon industries, and sustainable infrastructure investments.

Robert Halfon

Welcomes the Budget focusing on levelling up by cutting cost of living through fuel duty freeze and national living wage rise. Highlights the £1.7 billion catch-up fund for educational recovery post-covid. Advocates for long-term investment in early years, family hubs, pupil premium reforms, longer school days, and extra-curricular activities. Supports kickstart programme for businesses and lifetime skills guarantee for apprenticeships. Emphasises importance of infrastructure renewal and affordable housing.

Liam Byrne Lab

Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

The west midlands has been hit hardest by the pandemic, with life expectancy declining, poverty increasing, and crime rising. The Budget failed to level up the region, introducing £66 billion in tax rises that will disproportionately affect essential workers such as teachers, nurses, and police officers. We need a reindustrialisation strategy for green jobs, avoiding a K-shaped recovery where the rich benefit while the poor suffer. Birmingham and Solihull received only 5% of the requested aid and just £2 per person per week from the towns fund compared to other regions like the north-west and east midlands. We demand a Mayor who will fight for our region.

Huw Merriman

Welcoming today’s Budget, I focus on three themes: supporting restart by continuing furlough and providing business rate relief; recovery through investment in infrastructure projects that deliver the greatest economic return; repayment with a five-year personal tax allowance freeze, a corporation tax increase to 25% from 2023, and other tax-raising measures. Despite the need for fiscal responsibility and reducing public spending, I regret these tax rises but understand the necessity given current debt levels.

Carol Monaghan

This Budget ignores many in need, with 3 million people excluded from furlough support. While the £10 million for veterans’ mental health is welcome, more needs to be done about military housing and income calculations for DWP payments. Children's welfare must come first; while the Government has provided digital devices and tutoring schemes, they fall short without food security. The Chancellor agrees to maintain the £20 weekly uplift in universal credit until September but should consider making it permanent, extending to legacy benefits too. Cuts to international aid are disappointing given Yemen’s humanitarian crisis.

Judith Cummins Lab

Bradford South

While welcoming the Chancellor's commitment to maintain support packages until September, businesses and families in my constituency need certainty that they will not face local restrictions again. During the last lockdown in Bradford, there was unfairness with people traveling for non-essential activities while local businesses closed. We require a plan for recovery that closes economic gaps; this Budget fails to do so. The absence of Northern Powerhouse Rail commitments is disappointing as it is crucial for Bradford’s long-term success and job prospects. There are concerns about the Government backing away from previous promises, which could have severe consequences.

Andrew Mitchell Con

Sutton Coldfield

I draw the House’s attention to my external interests as set out in the register. I have come this afternoon to praise what I think is an excellent Budget. It was clear that they do not in truth think that much of it is wrong. This has been a year in which truthfully the Government have used taxpayers’ funds to protect livelihoods, help business and help the least well off, and it was additional relief today to see that unemployment was not as bad as many of us feared. The first point I want to make is that this is an excellent Budget that will contribute greatly to Britain coming out of recession and out of this crisis over the coming months. The second point I want to make is that I listened carefully to the speech of the right hon. Member for Birmingham, Hodge Hill (Liam Byrne). He is clearly in campaigning mode, but one of the real winners from the Budget today is the west midlands, and it is a huge tribute to Andy Street, the brilliant mayor that we have. There is nearly £100 million for the Black Country town and city centres—a particular issue that he championed—and £59 million for stations to be opened. My third and final point is that I was hoping the Chancellor would announce today that this was not the year to cut the 0.7% promise.

Caroline Lucas

This is the last Budget before the UK hosts the COP26 climate summit in November, before it presides over the G7 and before it takes part in the global biodiversity summit. Climate leadership means deeds, not words. It means following the science on the speed and scale of the investment required to meet climate goals and halt the loss of biodiversity. The Chancellor should have embraced the enormous potential for a fair and green recovery, but this Budget does not address the climate and ecological emergency with anything approaching the ambition or urgency required. We need a climate and nature test so that all spending and fiscal measures could be aligned with limiting global heating to 1.5° and with the UK’s other environmental goals. Secondly, we need transformational investment to create green jobs. Thirdly, in this Budget and beyond, the Chancellor must act on the conclusions of the Dasgupta review.

Laura Trott Con

Sevenoaks

The first and most important thing that we need to do today is to focus on the real-world impact that the measures in this Budget will have. Jenny Pollard lives in Otford in my constituency and her nail business can access full support for the first time, which will be a lifeline for her and for her business. The announcement means that businesses like the Royal Oak pub, Marco’s and the Danish Collection are getting exactly what they need to reopen. This comprehensive and welcome package of support comes at a cost, however, and we must be honest with the British people about that. Labour Members talk a lot about fiscal responsibility, but they have not set out anything that is fiscally responsible. What we have done today is put forward a clear plan for how we are going to start to pay for this support. It is a plan that provides much-needed certainty for business and protects those who need it the most.

Karin Smyth Lab

Bristol South

The Chancellor has failed to reflect on the mistakes made during the pandemic and has not provided sufficient support for young people, education, and environmental initiatives. The government's budget is a sticking plaster rather than a solution to the issues facing Bristol and the west country.

John Penrose

Supports the Budget due to its commitment to fiscal responsibility, the super deduction for business investment, and the emphasis on competitiveness through supply-side reforms. The measures aim to drive long-term economic growth and job security.

Alex Sobel Lab Co-op

Leeds Central and Headingley

While welcoming some aspects of the Budget, such as support for tourism and the infrastructure bank, Alex Sobel criticises the government's previous announcements for lacking follow-through. He highlights issues like delayed funding for zoos and slow implementation of the green homes grant.

Andrew Jones Con

Harrogate and Knaresborough

The Chancellor has responded to the economic crisis with vision, extending support for families and businesses. The VAT cut and extension of furlough scheme will help the hospitality sector in his constituency. He supports the establishment of a National Infrastructure Bank in Leeds and its focus on green growth. Welcomes environmental initiatives such as offshore wind investment and retail savings products.

Ben Lake PC

Ceredigion Preseli

While welcoming some extensions to business support measures, he criticises the Budget for failing to provide adequate funding and addressing inequalities. The levelling-up fund allocation is insufficient, and centralisation of decision-making power undermines Welsh autonomy. He questions the effectiveness of green measures in achieving net-zero commitments.

Damian Collins Con

Folkestone and Hythe

Welcomes support for retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses through tax reliefs and grants. Emphasises fair taxation for large corporations, especially those operating online, to level the playing field with local businesses. Advocates reform of business rates and workers' rights to ensure equitable competition.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

I cannot agree with the hon. Member for Wallasey (Dame Angela Eagle). I personally believe that, faced with the most severe challenge for any Government since the second world war, this Chancellor and his Budget are entirely realistic. We are and must remain the party of sound Budgets, and we must return to borrowing only to pay for investment. That is our long-term aim, but faced with this pandemic, we have to make accommodations.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

Although I commend the Chancellor for his Budget, the most important thing, of course, is to get the economy moving again and get us out of lockdown. The success of the vaccine roll-out, which will get the economy moving, has been absolutely staggering.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

One of the points that I want to make in my short contribution is that we have to accept that the high street and small businesses have moved on. The truth is that we have a very unequal tax system. Giants such as Amazon are paying an infinitely small proportion of their profits and turnover in business rates, and are driving small businesses and shops out of the high street.

Edward Leigh Con

Gainsborough

As things get easier next year, my plea to the Chancellor is to make our taxes clear, simple and fair. Tax complexity creates a structural bias in favour of the very rich and the big corporations, and that is not fair.

Tracy Brabin

This could have been a transformational Budget to help us recover from the Government’s chaotic response to the pandemic—a Budget that understood that, for the country as a whole to flourish, regions such as West Yorkshire, which have paid a disproportionate price under extended restrictions for longer than other places, will need enhanced support. Our NHS staff and key workers have worked flat out, without respite, for over a year.

Philip Hollobone Con

Kettering

Welcomed the Treasury’s commitment to hospital building programmes but expressed concern about the meshing of funding streams for Kettering General Hospital. Emphasised that Project Speed should be involved and proposed an integrated approach with early advances in HIP2 funding.

Alex Davies-Jones Lab

Pontypridd

Critiqued the Chancellor's ambitions, highlighting wage stagnation, child poverty, and financial strain. Urged continuation of universal credit uplift and extension to furlough scheme for workers in aviation sector. Called for support for excluded sectors and women-dominated industries hit hardest by pandemic.

Nigel Mills Con

Wycombe

Welcomed the Budget, praising extensions to furlough and self-employment income support schemes. Urged a review of welfare levels during the uplift period. Supported corporation tax measures aimed at business investment.

Jessica Morden Lab

Newport East

Critiques the Chancellor's budget, emphasising that it does not address long-term issues such as inequality and insecurity. Points out the failure to deliver new funding for Wales despite promises made by the Government. Highlights the lack of a credible plan to ease business debt burden and calls for better rail infrastructure investment in south-east Wales. Emphasises the importance of supporting the UK steel industry and criticises the short-term extension of universal credit uplift.

Gareth Davies Con

Grantham and Bourne

Welcomes the Budget, focusing on its potential to mobilise private capital through initiatives like a national infrastructure bank. Supports measures aimed at innovation and entrepreneurs such as tech visas, and investment in skills to help businesses find technical jobs. Expresses concern about inflation risks and calls for stability and certainty in public finances.

Catherine West Lab

Hornsey and Friern Barnet

Laments the lack of bold economic recovery measures proposed by the Chancellor, criticising the freezing of pay for key workers. Notes that there was no help offered to the care sector or carers who have contributed significantly during the crisis. Emphasises the failure to address household debt and international tax evasion issues effectively.

John Lamont Con

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk

Strongly supports the Chancellor's Budget, highlighting measures such as the extension of furlough schemes and additional support for self-employed individuals. Commends the introduction of new job creation policies like Help to Grow schemes and super deduction on capital investment. Expresses appreciation for direct UK Government investments in Scotland through initiatives like the levelling-up fund.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

This Chancellor has overseen the biggest decline in economic output of any major economy and the largest number of excess deaths. The UK's NHS was starved for funding, leading to fewer intensive therapy units compared to Germany. There is a hidden cut of £30 billion to the NHS budget. Social care for the elderly is lacking after 10 years of Tory rule. Millions have been excluded from support during the last year, including those in the creative industries and tradespeople. The Chancellor opposed free school meals in holidays and continues to starve local council budgets despite their crucial role. He awarded massive contracts without transparency, enriching a few at the expense of many.

Simon Clarke

The Budget day is significant for Teesside with announcements including a freeport for Teesport and £22 million from the towns fund for Middlesbrough. This marks a reset moment for local economy and society, thanks to the work of Mayor Ben Houchen and local Conservative colleagues. The Chancellor's contributions are historic and will create jobs and prosperity. Labour failed to deliver such opportunities during their time in power. Debt at 100% of GDP necessitates responsible financial choices. The new super deduction alongside higher corporation tax rates will boost business investment and productivity growth.

John Spellar

The Budget aims to address some injustices but lacks emphasis on vaccine roll-out benefits, which could help many families and businesses get back to work. There is an impression that the Chancellor is moving towards risk avoidance rather than effective risk management. The Government should learn from the model set by the vaccine programme's rapid deployment. Concerns about procurement post-Brexit, urging the Chancellor to prioritise British first when it comes to buying goods for public bodies.

David Evennett Con

Bexleyheath and Crayford

Welcomed the Chancellor's Budget, highlighting measures such as extending universal credit uplift, furlough scheme extension, business rates holiday, VAT rate reduction for hospitality sector, and the new restart grant scheme. Emphasised the importance of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises which are crucial to the local economy.

Rachael Maskell Lab Co-op

York Central

Critiqued the Budget for failing to adequately support businesses, charities, and communities. Highlighted the £10 billion debt faced by charities and criticised the lack of investment in areas like green collar jobs, high street recovery funds, and community business hubs.

Kevin Hollinrake Con

Thirsk and Malton

Supported the Chancellor's Budget for its focus on economic recovery and support for northern businesses. Raised concerns about future spending pressures due to demographic changes and proposed solutions such as an adult social care premium and replacing business rates with a small increase in VAT.

Rushanara Ali Lab

Bethnal Green and Stepney

This Budget fails to address the economic challenges brought about by the global pandemic, Brexit uncertainty, and a decade of Conservative austerity. UK GDP fell by nearly 10% in 2020, with unemployment rising sharply among young people and women. The NHS has been severely strained and inequalities exacerbated. The kickstart programme lacks effectiveness; only 2,000 out of hundreds of thousands of unemployed youth have benefited. More support is needed for public services, schools, families affected by the crisis, and small businesses.

Nicola Richards

Welcoming the Chancellor's Budget announcement, Nicola Richards highlights the allocation of £25 million to West Bromwich under the towns fund. She appreciates the Government’s recognition of areas like Sandwell that have been neglected and praises the plans for refurbishing the outdoor market, enhancing green spaces, and upgrading town hall facilities. The programme also includes measures to tackle digital exclusion by creating a 'free at the point of access' community digital den.

Matt Western Lab

Warwick and Leamington

Recalling the previous year's missteps, Matt Western criticises the Government for failing to act swiftly during the initial stages of the pandemic. He emphasises the lack of investment in healthcare services despite frontline workers' sacrifices and highlights the ongoing need for a furlough scheme extension. The Chancellor’s announcements do not address economic inequalities or infrastructure needs such as electric vehicle charging points, hydrogen infrastructure, and council house building. Western advises the Chancellor to prioritise public interest over personal gain.

Saqib Bhatti Con

Meriden and Solihull East

The Chancellor has protected jobs and livelihoods while being fiscally responsible. The speaker commends the £50 million allocated to develop transport improvements around HS2 Birmingham interchange station in his constituency, protecting green belt land. He welcomes measures for small businesses such as the Help to Grow scheme, extension of rates relief, and limiting impact of corporation tax rises on small firms. The Budget recognises the pain experienced by people over the last year and provides certainty for anxieties.

Kim Johnson Lab

Liverpool Riverside

The speaker criticises the Budget as falling short of a long-term recovery plan, failing to address deepening poverty, inequality, and insecurity at work. She highlights issues like only extending universal credit by six months while millions rely on it and the need for steps to tackle child poverty permanently through policy changes such as lifting the benefits cap.

Laura Farris

The speaker praises the Budget's impact on female employment, noting grants available to hard-hit sectors employing many women. She also highlights the importance of training and apprenticeships in tackling long-term structural unemployment, welcoming measures like kickstart scheme and lifetime skills guarantee.

Munira Wilson Lib Dem

Twickenham

Today’s Budget statement represents a massive missed opportunity. There were some measures to be welcomed, but there was silence in many areas: no social care provisions despite promises from the Prime Minister and Health Secretary; no further support for the NHS with non-Covid backlogs increasing; no mental health and wellbeing support for children and young people; no help for exporters hit by Brexit red tape, such as a chocolate maker in her constituency who can't export to the EU since January; no measures to build affordable homes or boost environmental recovery; and nothing for the 3 million small business owners excluded from Government support. She highlighted the plight of directors of limited companies, often women with caring responsibilities, who have built home-based businesses but are now struggling due to lack of personal financial support and VAT relief.

David Linden

The Scottish National party has been calling for a permanent £20 uplift in universal credit and its extension to legacy benefits. The Chancellor's decision to extend it for only six months is insufficient, especially as the furlough scheme will end and unemployment peaks, leading to hardship for those on social security. Cutting the uplift in autumn will remove over £1,000 a year from household budgets. The Trussell Trust, Women’s Budget Group, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and Poverty Alliance all criticised the decision as inadequate. Out of work support is at its lowest level since 1990 when universal credit cuts take effect, reversing eight years of cuts to bring it back in line with cost-of-living rises. The Scottish Government's game-changing policies like the Scottish child payment contrast sharply with Westminster's approach, highlighting Scotland’s choice between long-term damage from Brexit and Tory austerity or a fair and green recovery as an independent country.

Ben Bradley

He thanked the Chancellor for the Budget announcement, focusing on positive news for businesses and employees looking to reinvigorate their operations post-pandemic. The VAT cut extension for hard-hit businesses is welcome, particularly in his constituency. He highlighted the 5% deposit scheme to help people onto the housing ladder as a significant development. Bradley celebrated the £12.3 million allocation from the towns fund for Mansfield, which will include a new community health and leisure hub, business hubs, technology development at West Notts college, and freeport plans in the east midlands. These initiatives are expected to drive growth, improve services, and support jobs post-COVID. He also praised the economic recovery forecasts and interventions that saved 1.8 million jobs.

Bim Afolami Con

Twickenham

Emphasised the importance of debt management and long-term fiscal sustainability, highlighting the Chancellor's awareness of low interest rates making borrowing cheap but also temporary. Discussed the help to grow scheme for small businesses aiming to improve productivity.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

Critiqued the lack of investment in cancer treatment and support, arguing that additional funding was needed given estimates of backlogs and potential deaths. Suggested government should have invested in radiotherapy equipment, staffing, and networking to tackle these issues. Highlighted failure to provide financial relief to excluded individuals and sectors such as freelancers, outdoor education, wet-led pubs, and unpaid carers.

Miriam Cates Con

Penistone and Stocksbridge

Complimented the Chancellor's commitment in difficult economic circumstances. Welcomed additional support measures for businesses struggling during the pandemic and praised the fiscal support provided to those on low incomes. Supported modest rise in corporation tax for large businesses as fair revenue increase. Celebrated £24 million investment in Stocksbridge town deal aimed at improving high street, transport links, post-16 education hub, job creation.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Acknowledged the difficulty of balancing support for businesses and vulnerable people with financial responsibility. Welcomed measures such as extension of furlough programme to September, no increase in fuel duty, VAT reduction, and rates relief. Emphasised need for investment in palliative care and cancer research despite positive economic measures.

Anthony Mangnall Con

Fylde

Welcomed the Budget, highlighting its support for businesses and local economies. Mentioned the extension of VAT cut to 12.5%, improved provision on business rates, and initiatives supporting young people such as work coaches, kickstart scheme, life skills guarantee, and apprenticeship schemes. Also noted the designation of a free port in Plymouth and south Devon.

Brendan Clarke-Smith Con

Bassetlaw

Praised the Budget for supporting the country during the pandemic and setting it up for future recovery. Highlighted extensions to the furlough scheme, self-employment income support, restart grants, business rates holiday, VAT cut, universal credit extension, stamp duty holiday, mortgage guarantee scheme, corporation tax super deduction, and the confirmation of an east midlands free port bringing 60,000 skilled jobs.

Mike Wood Con

Kingswinford and South Staffordshire

Complimented the Chancellor for providing immediate support to protect jobs and livelihoods while laying a framework for recovery and levelling up. Mentioned extension of job retention scheme, restart grants, VAT freeze, business rates holiday, and identified Dudley as a priority area for UK renewal fund and levelling-up fund.

Antony Higginbotham Con

Halesowen and Rowley Regis

Highlighted the Chancellor's efforts to provide immediate financial support during the pandemic, particularly restart grants. Emphasised the importance of careful economic management, agreeing with tax measures announced in the Budget such as VAT reduction and frozen alcohol and fuel duty. Praised the super deduction for local businesses in manufacturing sectors and mentioned levelling-up fund and community renewal fund.

Andrew Griffith Con

Arundel and South Downs

The support provided by the Government to protect jobs and livelihoods during the pandemic has been exceptional. The Chancellor delivered a Budget that focuses on pro-growth, pro-innovation policies for the short term while setting up plans to fix public finances in the medium term. Restart grants of up to £18,000 for retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses are welcome, as are extensions to the business rate holiday and temporary 5% VAT cut. Visa reforms to attract high-skilled migrants and a new future fund breakthrough scheme to support innovative companies are also highlighted. The Chancellor candidly addressed the need to address public finances, emphasising the importance of sustainable finances for quality public services.

Jacob Young

Today's Budget brings relief with the successful bid for a freeport in Teesside, which will create 18,000 jobs over five years. The Chancellor's recognition of the area as an 'infant Hercules' reflects its potential and resilience. The budget includes no personal tax rises in VAT, national insurance or income tax, £150,000 for local councils to explore ways to level up their areas, restart grants of up to £18,000, 5% deposit mortgages, investment in Teesside airport, and extensions of the VAT cut and alcohol duty freeze. These measures support recovery and are seen as a transformational step towards levelling up.

James Daly

The Budget is described as transformative, dynamic, and hopeful with several factors affecting Bury, including the community ownership fund of £150 million to help communities buy local facilities. The opportunity for Gigg Lane, a heritage asset, and Co-op Hall, a unique cultural jewel, to be owned by the community is highlighted. Investment in the world-famous Bury market through priority status for the levelling-up fund is also mentioned as enhancing local prosperity.

Nigel Evans

A brief remark about Bury market having the best black pudding.

Felicity Buchan

The Chancellor's Budget is welcomed for its balance between extending Government support and setting a road map to rebalance books. The focus on business investment, tiering of corporation tax, stamp duty reform in high-cost areas like London, cladding remediation, and property development tax details are discussed. Restart grants are also highlighted with consideration for London weighting due to higher rental costs.

Marco Longhi Con

Dudley North

The Budget provides continued support complemented by a roadmap to sustainable finances. It is crucial that the Government's delivery team remains intact, led by Andy Street, to ensure economic growth and job creation in the west midlands. The super deduction scheme exemplifies Conservative commitment to pro-growth policies.

Imran Ahmad Khan Con

Wakefield

The Budget is a purposeful response to unprecedented circumstances caused by the pandemic, providing essential support for businesses and individuals while recognising the importance of market-driven growth once recovery begins. It includes £25 million for Wakefield’s town fund and supports levelling-up initiatives.

Andy Carter Con

Warrington South

The Budget is pivotal for UK's economic recovery, offering support to small businesses through extensions of the self-employment scheme and restart grants. It includes measures such as VAT cuts, super deduction schemes for business investment, and initiatives like Help to Grow to encourage digital innovation. Additionally, it supports first-time buyers with a 95% mortgage scheme and provides funding for flood defence programmes.

Chris Loder Con

West Dorset

Expressed concern over national debt but acknowledged the Chancellor's efforts. Praised the mortgage guarantee and VAT rate extension for positive impact on West Dorset’s economy.

Richard Holden Con

Basildon and Billericay

Supported the Budget, highlighting measures to aid economic recovery, support businesses, and deliver manifesto commitments. Emphasised importance of freeports for levelling up and acknowledged specific local projects.

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