Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation - Income tax (charge)

Nigel Evans Con

Fylde

Indicated to those participating remotely that there is a clock on their device and requested them to abide by the three-minute time limit from the beginning of Back-Bench contributions. Advised participants in the Chamber that the usual monitors will be used for timing.

Oliver Dowden Con

Hertsmere

The Government unveiled a £1.75 billion culture recovery fund that protected theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries across the country. The Budget extends support for arts and culture, as well as sport clubs and film productions.

Steve Double Con

Cornwall

The Government has provided significant support to hospitality and tourism sectors during the pandemic. Now it is time for people to take holidays in the UK, visit pubs and restaurants, theatres and cinemas, and help get the economy rolling.

Alison McGovern Lab

Birkenhead

McGovern criticises the Government's handling of the economy over the past decade, highlighting issues such as high unemployment rates among young people and a predicted rise in unemployment. She notes the government’s failure to address child poverty, food bank usage, and the economic challenges post-Brexit. McGovern also points out insufficient support for businesses and the creative industries through the furlough extension and universal credit cuts despite ongoing job losses. She further criticises the lack of innovation and focus on supporting small businesses struggling with the aftermath of the pandemic and Brexit. Additionally, she emphasises the need for a comprehensive plan for public wellbeing, including proper support for public services.

Karen Bradley Con

Staffordshire Moorlands

Ms Karen Bradley highlighted several areas in need of additional support. She noted that self-employed individuals operating through limited companies have not received any direct support, despite numerous requests from constituents for assistance. Additionally, she emphasised the struggles faced by the wedding sector due to their inability to qualify for business rates relief or VAT reductions and called on the Government to provide specific support for this industry. Regarding pubs, particularly wet pubs which do not sell food and thus miss out on certain incentives like eat out to help out and reduced VAT, Ms Bradley suggested potential solutions such as enabling continued furloughing of staff with partial return to work to manage reopening costs. Finally, she stressed the importance of a coordinated Government effort to promote local events and activities that could encourage people to spend in town centres and hospitality businesses.

Richard Thomson SNP

Banff and Buchan

Welcomed progress made on vaccinations, but criticised the Budget for short-term extensions of furlough and SEISS schemes instead of open-ended support. Noted that a full stop date on these schemes could push businesses to lay off workers while still in recovery. Advocated for VAT reduction continuation beyond September 2021, business rates relief similar to Scotland's £1 billion package, crucial funding for the energy sector, and better levelling-up fund allocation for north-east Scotland. Emphasised the need for support for excluded sectors such as arts and cultural industries. Criticised the lack of UK equivalent support in tourism and hospitality compared to Scottish Government interventions.

George Freeman Con

Mid Norfolk

Supports the Chancellor’s commitment to continue unprecedented levels of support, including extension of furlough relief and help for self-employed individuals. He emphasises the support for green growth sectors like life sciences, agri-tech, and transport technology as key drivers for economic recovery post-covid. The MP also highlights the scale of debt incurred due to covid, comparing it to an even worse legacy than that inherited in 2010. He underscores the need for reassurance to markets regarding fiscal responsibility while maintaining focus on growth sectors.

Tony Lloyd

Critiques the Chancellor's Budget, particularly its lack of support for social care workers and businesses like Sarah Graham’s in Rochdale. He points out that cuts to universal credit and furlough will harm local economies. The MP questions where the ambition is for future investment in education and job skills training as well as commitment to Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Philip Dunne

Welcomes the priority to help protect jobs and support businesses with extended furlough scheme and increased self-employed support. He commends the Chancellor for extending green finance measures like green gilts issuance, environmental retail savings products, and carbon offset market trading review. However, he criticises the delay in detailed environmental policies needed for net zero Britain.

John Martin McDonnell Lab

Hayes and Harlington

This is a shameful budget that disregards poverty by cutting £20 from universal credit, failing disabled people on legacy benefits, and endangering workers with low sick pay. The tax threshold freeze will reduce take-home pay for millions despite pledges made in 2019 to maintain income tax rates. The Budget also lacks substantial environmental policies, ignoring the climate crisis.

David Morris

The Chancellor's efforts to address immediate crises are commendable but the lack of mention for Morecambe’s Eden Project North is disappointing. This project aligns with government priorities, offering employment and demonstrating recovery from the pandemic as a showcase for COP26 commitments in Glasgow. I urge the Government to back this shovel-ready initiative that can start gaining traction immediately.

Ian Lavery Lab

Blyth and Ashington

The Budget does not support Northumberland or Wansbeck, regions suffering from decades of decline. However, a proposed electric battery manufacturing gigafactory in Cambois presents an opportunity for revitalisation around green energy. I urge the Chancellor to support this project that promises fair employment and wages, potentially transforming lives across the region.

Duncan Baker

The Budget prioritises protecting jobs and livelihoods in the private sector during recovery from the pandemic's economic shock, with continued support for businesses such as those in tourism and hospitality. The OBR now expects an earlier return to pre-crisis levels than previously anticipated. Duncan acknowledges the government’s extensive financial response but emphasises that addressing public finances requires time amidst ongoing fiscal support of £407 billion.

Chris Grayling

While acknowledging the necessity of the Chancellor's measures during a crisis, I argue for further support for those who have missed out on assistance and for a more flexible approach to sectors like travel and tourism. The current restrictions are crippling these businesses, and we need certainty about when normality will resume. Additionally, I urge Ministers to reconsider the conditions for zoos' rescue packages to prevent unnecessary closures.

Jon Trickett Lab

Normanton and Hemsworth

The Budget fails to support working people adequately post-pandemic, leaving millions in precarious employment and poverty. The wealth discrepancy is stark, with corporations and wealthy individuals holding vast sums while public services are underfunded. Despite some infrastructure investment, it pales in comparison to what Germany or the track and trace system receive. This Budget sustains rather than rebuilds better.

Jonathan Gullis

While welcoming extensions of furlough schemes and VAT reductions for businesses like ceramic manufacturers, more must be done to support the on-trade sector post-pandemic. I also challenge Labour's negative stance towards investment in towns such as Kidsgrove, highlighting how previous council leadership failed to invest adequately, whereas current efforts under a Conservative-led council are bringing about positive change.

Christina Rees Lab

Neath

The Chancellor’s Budget has created a new cliff edge at the end of September with the furlough scheme ending and VAT reduction for food and drink in pubs, restaurants stopping. The £20 uplift for universal credit should be made permanent. The Welsh Labour Government's economic resilience fund is securing 141,000 jobs in Wales.

Liam Fox Con

Esher and Walton

Welcomes the Budget but questions some attitudes to financial years ahead, suggesting focus on wealth creation through export encouragement. Emphasises need for more business support and trade liberalisation, advocating for tax simplification.

Steven Bonnar Lab

Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill

Welcomes the extension to universal credit uplift but criticises lack of permanent commitment or tapered support. Highlights issues with increased costs for those on legacy benefits compared to those on universal credit.

Neil Hudson Con

Penrith and The Border

Welcomes the Budget, praising extension of furlough scheme and VAT cut, while advocating for further support for newly self-employed. Supports targeted aid for tourism and hospitality sectors, welcoming investment in apprenticeships.

Mike Kane Lab

Wythenshawe and Sale East

This Budget is probably the most critical of my time in this place. The crisis has pushed millions into financial difficulty, particularly affecting communities like those in Wythenshawe and Sale East. Although I welcome extra measures announced last week to fill gaps, many constituents have shouldered an unfair share of pain. Self-employed drivers and workers like Naeem Ahmed and Teresa McGeough need proper financial support. Hospitality businesses in working-class areas are also unfairly affected. This Budget fails to rebuild economic foundations or provide substantial recovery, as confirmed by the Office for Budget Responsibility. The Chancellor's priorities are out of touch with current needs.

Chris Skidmore

I welcome this Budget’s record levels of support and focus on future R&D investments. However, we must address our 2.4% GDP spending target for R&D by 2027, currently at 1.8%, falling behind countries like China (2.1%), the US (2.8%), Germany (3.1%), South Korea (4.5%) and Israel (4.9%). The Budget includes a consultation on R&D tax reliefs that should include data, education, and skills. We need to leverage private R&D spend from £30 billion to £70 billion by 2027 and establish new international research schemes.

Stephen Morgan Lab

Portsmouth South

This Budget missed a pivotal opportunity to deliver a stronger and fairer economic future. It failed to tackle the looming cliff edge on rent and evictions, leaving hospitality businesses at risk. Many self-employed individuals in Portsmouth’s local economy are without support during this pandemic. The lack of Government-backed insurance schemes for cultural events is a significant oversight. Schools need investment to help children catch up post-pandemic, but the Chancellor announced no support. Social care was badly affected by the crisis and needs a sustainable funding settlement.

Marcus Fysh

My constituents are grateful for pandemic support such as furlough, grant schemes, VAT exemptions, and increased capital allowances. The Budget includes £10 million for Yeovil’s Octagon theatre and revenue support for the Westlands Entertainment Venue. We also received funding for local sports from the future high streets fund. Despite these wins, our high street is struggling and needs to be back on its feet. Rapid testing and vaccination programmes provide hope that we can get the economy back on track.

Stewart McDonald Lab

Glasgow South

The Chancellor's Budget is inadequate for the current economic crisis, leaving self-employed individuals behind and misusing the levelling-up fund. He raised issues regarding hospitality staff in Glasgow not receiving furlough support due to a dispute with HMRC, affecting almost 200 people. McDonald also called for an end to unpaid work trials as part of economic recovery efforts.

Theresa Villiers Con

Chipping Barnet

Villiers welcomed the Government's comprehensive support schemes but pointed out that they come with high costs, leading to £355 billion borrowing in this financial year. She stressed the need for supply-side reforms and higher productivity to boost economic growth and improve public finances. Villiers advocated for pro-competition regulations and encouraged innovation by addressing barriers for new market entrants.

Sharon Hodgson Lab

Washington and Gateshead South

Hodgson criticised the disparity in transport infrastructure spending between London and northern England, calling for equal investment. She highlighted local businesses suffering due to lack of support from the Government during lockdowns and called out real-terms pay cuts affecting key workers, including NHS staff and teachers. She urged the Government to provide assurances and certainty rather than maintaining an unequal status quo.

Paul Beresford Con

Mole Valley

Beresford welcomed the Chancellor's Budget as a realistic approach to protecting lives and livelihoods while acknowledging the need to address national debt. He supported measures like the 95% mortgage guarantee scheme, which he believes could help rebalance his constituency’s demographics by enabling young people to return. Beresford also expressed hope for future council changes that would enable development on brownfield sites.

Jamie Stone Lib Dem

Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross

Expressed gratitude for some Government recognitions on maternity leave policies but highlighted the need for further improvements. Criticised the VAT cut as insufficient for highland games and events in his region.

Caroline Nokes Con

Romsey and Southampton North

Acknowledged the Chancellor's efforts to support female entrepreneurs but expressed disappointment over the lack of VAT reduction extension to personal care sector. Highlighted the need for retraining opportunities in changing retail and construction sectors.

Gareth Johnson

Supported the Budget, emphasising its importance in addressing national debt and promoting economic recovery through freeports. Emphasised the potential of freeports like Thames to create jobs and attract investment.

Yvette Cooper Lab

Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley

Critiqued the Budget for failing to adequately support economic recovery and public services. Highlighted specific needs in towns hit by austerity cuts, and called for better support for NHS staff post-pandemic.

Derek Twigg Lab

Widnes and Halewood

Paid tribute to NHS staff, criticised the Chancellor's proposed 1% pay cut for frontline workers as a pay cut rather than recognition of their sacrifices. Raised concerns over mental health support, highlighted Halton’s deprivation status and its exclusion from priority funding groups despite its need. Criticised the selection criteria for prioritisation based on political influence. Called for full funding to tackle the pandemic, addressed the cladding scandal affecting Runcorn constituents, and reiterated calls for compensation of women born in the 1950s due to pensions injustice.

Andrew Bowie Con

West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine

Defended the Chancellor’s Budget as a pro-business proposal that fosters investment, innovation, and job creation. Criticised SNP for their stance on independence referendum which adds to uncertainty, in contrast with the stability offered by the UK government's support of £2.2 billion for the oil and gas industry since 2014.

Afzal Khan Lab

Manchester Rusholme

Critiqued the Chancellor’s failure to control virus spread, leading to economic recession, increased unemployment, insecure jobs, food bank usage, and poverty. Highlighted a threefold increase in financial insecurity among his constituents, calling for recognition of mental health impact alongside economic recovery. Criticised the £30 billion cut in day-to-day health spending. Addressed gender inequality exacerbated by pandemic, urging equality impact assessments.

Bob Neill

Congratulated Chancellor on balanced and valuable package for reopening businesses safely. Welcomed support to cultural sector but urged focus also on freelancers and self-employed individuals in the arts. Highlighted concern over a four-month gap before fourth round of self-employment income support payments, emphasising nurturing young performers and artists. Stressed financial services as a priority area needing attention in trade deals.

Marie Rimmer Lab

St Helens South and Whiston

The Office for National Statistics ranks St Helens and Knowsley as two of the top 10 unhealthiest places to live. Essential services have been cut due to austerity, making the pandemic even more devastating. The Government's levelling-up agenda is failing to provide necessary support based on needs; for instance, my constituency is ranked 62nd most deprived while the Chancellor’s is 450th. Despite this, the towns fund has favoured the Chancellor’s constituency over mine. Towns like St Helens need recovery funding to revitalise town centres and rebuild public services.

Robert Syms

I welcome the Budget as it acknowledges the difficult time for Treasury in trying to assist during this crisis, with universal credit, furlough, and self-employment income support working well. The OBR forecast suggests that unemployment will peak at a lower rate than expected and decline towards the end of the Parliament due to rapid economic growth once restrictions are lifted. My main plea is to bring forward and put back lockdown measures based on data direction, allowing businesses and workers to get back to normal as soon as possible.

Julie Elliott

This Budget fails to conduct transformative change as we emerge from the crisis by not supporting key workers and ensuring a secure future. The council in Sunderland has struggled with limited resources, yet the Government's support falls short. Many people have lost jobs and millions live in poverty. NHS workers will receive only a 1% pay rise, and social care was ignored. While investment in digital skills is welcome, it seems like sticking plasters rather than solving digital inequality issues. The Budget is underwhelming, unequal, and unsurprising.

Mark Pawsey

The Chancellor’s measures continue to support businesses and workers through the furlough scheme extension for six months, additional grants for reopening, and targeted support for leisure, hospitality, arts, and culture sectors. Help to Grow will offer 30,000 leaders a training programme over 12 weeks at just £750 after Government support, making it valuable for business owners and managers seeking personal development training.

Dan Jarvis Lab

Barnsley North

The Budget does not reflect the needs of regions like South Yorkshire, where we are investing in skills and active travel. The levelling-up fund ranks wealthy areas higher than more deprived ones, despite higher covid death rates in poorer areas. The Chancellor should publish full data on funding decisions to ensure impartial criteria.

Paul Maynard

The Budget balances economic recovery with financial resilience by tackling disproportionate costs faced by those living in poverty and promoting access to cash through regulatory measures like PSD2 regulations, which enable cashback without purchase. The Government should facilitate continued access to cash without legislation.

Anna McMorrin Lab

Cardiff North

The Budget fails to provide security for hard-hit sectors and does not adequately support public sector workers or address climate action. It also ignores the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on women, who are more likely to work in precarious jobs and unpaid caring roles.

Anne Marie Morris

The Budget is responsible, extending business rates relief and VAT relief which has relieved local businesses. However, directors paid by dividends have been left out of support during the pandemic, and there are concerns about very small businesses on the brink of collapse needing support to start again.

Maria Eagle Lab

Liverpool Garston

The Chancellor's budget is described as sneaky and dishonest, slashing public spending by £4 billion over the next year. It fails to address the NHS crisis, offers little support for poorer households and low-paid workers, exacerbates poverty and inequality, and does not provide a plan for recovery from the covid crisis.

Robert Largan

This Budget strikes the right balance, providing vital support to families and businesses while addressing public finances honestly. It includes measures like super deduction to help businesses expand and create jobs, crucial steps towards levelling up the north of England after decades of underinvestment compared to London.

Deidre Brock

The Budget lacks practical measures for addressing climate change, such as funding retrofit insulation or energy transition deals. It fails to provide meaningful action on green recovery and appears unprepared for COP26. The Chancellor’s freeports do not support green industries effectively.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con

North Cotswolds

The Budget is commended for its strong focus on enterprise, innovation and recovery, with extra support announced last week for businesses in hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. Restart grants will help reinvigorate these businesses as we open up the economy again after pandemic closures.

Feryal Clark Lab

Enfield North

Last week’s Budget failed to address the endemic inequality in the UK and my constituency, Enfield North. Nurses received a pitiful 1% pay increase while businesses and the self-employed were left unsupported. The unemployed and those on furlough remain uncertain about their future. Universal credit recipients faced cuts of £500 each, removing nearly £7 million from the local economy. The Chancellor's actions favoured his own constituencies over others, with London being particularly underfunded despite its needs. The Mayor of London’s post-pandemic economic recovery plan must be supported by the Government instead of hindered.

Ian Liddell-Grainger

The Chancellor should heed past mistakes such as attempting to merge local councils without proper consultation, which resulted in financial disasters and political backlash. The current pursuit of merging local councils during a pandemic is ill-advised. Somerset County Council has misused emergency funds meant for covid relief, spending £13,550 on an online video promoting the council leader. This misuse could lead to further financial issues for the Government.

Margaret Ferrier

While some measures in the Budget are welcome, sectors like wholesale distribution and aviation feel let down by their exclusion from business rates relief. The aviation sector faces unprecedented challenges due to reduced passenger volumes and significant fixed costs. Heathrow Airport's CEO notes that ignoring the aviation sector hinders job protection and economic recovery. A full business rates holiday for airports is essential, alongside a clear roadmap for reopening safely.

Sarah Champion Lab

Rotherham

The Rolls-Royce facility in Rotherham faces 75 redundancies amidst the pandemic's economic impact. This loss of skilled jobs will devastate the local economy, despite Government efforts to protect jobs short-term. The aviation and aerospace sectors need a global plan for recovery through the UK’s G7 chairmanship this year. Long-term business support beyond September is necessary due to these industries' slower recovery pace. Rolls-Royce's current redundancy plans are shortsighted, undermining both job protection and supply chain stability.

James Wild Con

North West Norfolk

The Budget shows commitment to growth across the country, including prioritising King’s Lynn and west Norfolk for the new levelling-up fund. It supports business investment through super deduction but raises concerns about National Farmers Union firms not benefiting from farm technology investments. The budget makes necessary calls for corporation taxes while setting a path to fix finances.

Gerald Jones Lab

Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Welcomes the extension of the £20 universal credit uplift but criticises its temporary nature, which will cut local economies by millions. Highlights that Wales' core budget is 4% lower per head than in 2010-11 despite inflation. Criticises lack of support for flooding victims and inadequate funding from community renewal fund and levelling-up fund compared to EU structural funds.

Mark Eastwood Ind

Welcomes the Chancellor's provision of continued support to businesses and individuals affected by pandemic, as well as prudent decisions for public finances. Praises continuation of business rates relief and stamp duty cut, highlighting importance for furniture industry. Encourages investment in grassroots football facilities.

Alex Cunningham Lab

Tees valley

The Tees Valley needed a Budget to help replace the extra 12,500 jobs lost in the past 11 months. The area needs investment and detail for job creation promises; Stockton lost 400 HMRC jobs and the north-east has lost 6,680 civil service jobs since 2010. Freeports could help recovery but need transparency; LIBERTY Steel faces potential job losses due to its lender going bust. Child poverty in the region is rising sharply with under-fives experiencing a rate of 42%. The Chancellor's £20 uplift for universal credit should not be cut when unemployment and child poverty are increasing.

Carolyn Harris Lab

Neath and Swansea East

The personal care sector has been overlooked in the Budget despite employing 560,000 people—mostly women—and having a £30 billion economic impact. Businesses were closed for over 240 days between 2020-21 and face average losses of £40,000; they need a VAT reduction to match other sectors. The wedding industry, closely linked to the personal care sector, is also at risk without sufficient support. Women have carried the heaviest burden throughout the pandemic but are still being let down by this Government.

John Howell

Welcomed the help given to business through an extension of the furlough scheme and new grants/loans; highlighted the £150 million community ownership fund for buying pubs and other assets, supporting national museums, and elite sports. Also mentioned rowing in his constituency and hoped the culture recovery fund would support it. Felt that room should be found to help courtyard societies at Burlington House who have contributed much to society.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle

Described the Budget as sounding reasonable but unwinding quickly upon deeper analysis; social care desperately needs funding but was not addressed, leading to disappointment. Nurses received only a 1% pay rise despite hard work during the pandemic; many in Brighton's hospitality sector still say they are vulnerable due to incomplete VAT rate extension and loans that will cripple businesses going forward.

Derek Thomas Con

St Ives

Welcomed the Budget, highlighting its positive impact on apprenticeships and various sectors such as construction, retrofitting, renewable energy, nature recovery, engineering, food, and farming. Emphasised measures for high streets including grants, business rate holidays, tapered return, VAT rates for hospitality, and home buyers. Noted concern about house prices in Cornwall and Scilly despite stamp duty cuts. Advocated for the removal of barriers to local needs housing. Supported small and medium-sized enterprises noting their importance for job creation. Concluded that the Budget provides tools and springboard for a green, resilient recovery.

Alex Norris Lab Co-op

Nottingham North and Kimberley

Expressed disappointment with the Budget's forecast of anaemic growth post-rebound. Criticised Government’s spending plans as likely to generate similar impact as austerity model. Condemned cuts to public sector workers' wages, noting negative economic impacts. Emphasised that squeezing the public sector does not help the private sector and vice versa. Highlighted Nottingham’s £270 million loss in Government investment over a decade leading to diminished vital services. Criticised inadequate funding for councils during covid.

Matt Vickers Con

Stockton West

Celebrated the Budget as delivering on the Prime Minister’s pledge, noting benefits like frozen national insurance and income tax rates, extended furlough, business rate holiday, super deduction for businesses. Highlighted Teesside's freeport investment (£3.2 billion), Treasury move to Tees Valley, Thornaby's £23.9 million town deal funding aimed at improving infrastructure, housing quality, skills development.

Barbara Keeley Lab

Worsley and Eccles South

Critiqued the Budget for neglecting health and care sectors; mentioned NHS being mentioned only once while social care was not. Noted failures in controlling covid-19, citing high rates of infections, hospitalisations, deaths, staff turnover, vacancies leading to 'catastrophic failure'. Highlighted inadequate funding for councils and reliance on local council tax increase. Criticised lack of recovery plan for NHS after promising a 2.1% pay rise last year now proposing only 1%. Noted exclusions from financial support for the self-employed, no additional spending for schools, forced choice between job and health due to insufficient isolation support.

Stephen Hammond Con

This Budget was produced after a year of extraordinary economic challenges and an extraordinary economic response to give support to families and businesses. The Chancellor rightly recognised the need to continue supporting families and companies in the face of this extraordinary unforeseen economic shock, despite the difficult decision to raise taxes and increase government borrowing. Hammond welcomed the announcement of the super deduction to encourage investment and enterprise and supported infrastructure spending and investment, including physical and social infrastructure. He also advocated for a review of financial services regulation to ensure competitiveness and appropriateness in relation to capital and conduct.

Bambos Charalambous Lab

Southgate and Wood Green

Charalambous criticised the Budget as a continuation of austerity, highlighting the insulting 1% pay increase for NHS staff that amounts to a real-terms cut due to inflation. He pointed out substantial funding cuts to the NHS and social care while local authorities face financial strain and potential bankruptcy. Charalambous urged the Chancellor to reward NHS workers with a proper pay rise and address the backlog of delayed operations and treatments caused by the pandemic. He also called for a properly funded social care system and criticised the Government's failure to deliver on manifesto pledges.

Lee Rowley Con

Rowley welcomed the Chancellor’s Budget as a clear path demonstrating continued support during difficult times. He highlighted the awarding of town deals in his constituency, Clay Cross and Staveley, which will provide tools to make things better and build on successes in the coming years. Rowley thanked everyone involved for their hard work and emphasised that this demonstrates when we are constructive and work with central Government, much can be achieved.

Chi Onwurah Lab

Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West

Onwurah criticised the Budget as partisan and peripatetic, lacking vision and ambition. She highlighted that it offers nothing for social care or Newcastle's key industries and barely addresses climate change. Onwurah pointed out that the infrastructure bank has only a fraction of the funding needed to support the failing test and trace system. She also criticised the super deduction capital allowance which treats jacuzzis the same as manufacturing lines and does not reward companies investing in people. The speaker expressed concerns about small businesses falling through gaps in existing schemes.

Greg Smith Con

Mid Buckinghamshire

I rise to speak in support of the Budget, which is a trifold balancing act in respect of continuing covid support, stimulus for recovery and fixing the public finances. Faced with £335 billion in borrowing from the covid support schemes, I urge the Chancellor to cancel HS2 as it has a flimsy business case. The capital gains tax increases are uncomfortable but may be justified by Treasury modelling. I welcome measures such as the super deduction for unlocking investments, fuel duty freezes, restart grants, freeports and Help to Grow. However, self-employed individuals earning more than £50,000 and owner-directors of limited companies need additional support. The coach industry also requires further assistance. This Budget is strong in stimulating growth while being honest about national borrowing.

Sally-Ann Hart

I welcome this Budget which seeks to improve life chances for all and sets us on course towards a high-skilled, high-waged green economy. I support the extensions of the VAT cut and business rates holiday for the hospitality sector. The levelling-up fund is welcomed, especially for Hastings and Rother local authorities. However, there should be an extension of these schemes to further boost recovery. An HS1 rail extension from Ashford International through to Hastings, Bexhill and Eastbourne is needed.

Navendu Mishra Lab

Stockport

I pay tribute to the achievements of women on International Women’s Day. The 1% pay rise for NHS workers is shameful given their efforts during the pandemic. Statutory sick pay remains low and underfunded areas like the NHS need more capital funding, particularly in cancer services and dementia care. The Budget fails self-employed people and maintained nursery schools. It's time to lift the national minimum wage to £10 per hour. I urge the Government to present their employment Bill soon and encourage them to move Departments to Stockport for levelling up efforts.

Tom Randall Con

Gedling

Randall commends the Chancellor for providing substantial financial support to businesses and families in Gedling, including over £12 million in business interruption loans, nearly £9.5 million under the self-employed income scheme, and 88,000 meals through the eat out to help out initiative. He also welcomes improvements in access to the self-employed scheme and supports the creation of freeports in the UK, particularly one centred around East Midlands airport which has the potential to create up to 60,000 new jobs in the region.

Ruth Cadbury Lab

Brentford and Isleworth

Cadbury criticises the Budget for offering inadequate support to NHS staff with a 1% pay rise that is effectively a cut when inflation is accounted for, failing to address social care issues, lacking in bold green initiatives despite hosting COP26, neglecting aviation communities and their recovery needs post-pandemic, and not providing sector-specific support for aviation. She argues the Budget fails to support economic recovery from both the pandemic and Brexit impacts.

Steve Double

Double praises the Chancellor's measures in supporting hospitality and tourism sectors crucial to Cornwall, including extensions of VAT cut, business rate holiday, continuation of furlough scheme, further grants for reopening readiness, and freeze on beer duty. However, he expresses disappointment over lack of support for aviation through reduced air passenger duties and removal of red diesel relief which will negatively impact quarrying and mining industries.

Pat McFadden Lab

Wolverhampton South East

The speaker emphasises the significant shift in Conservative Party taxation policy, noting that the recent Budget marked a watershed moment by reversing long-held beliefs about lower tax rates leading to increased economic activity and revenue. He highlights the Chancellor's admission that previous claims of increased corporation tax receipts due to cuts were misguided, instead attributing it to cyclical recovery in corporate profits. McFadden argues against the Government’s approach towards business investment and export red tape post-Brexit, stressing the need for support for hard-working businesses rather than using them as pawns in political battles.

John Glen Con

Salisbury

The Government has provided extensive financial assistance to businesses during the pandemic through a variety of measures. The Budget includes further support such as extending the furlough scheme, introducing new income support grants for self-employed individuals, and offering restart grants to help reopen businesses. Additionally, the plan aims to boost investment in innovative ventures, enhance access to capital for firms, and increase opportunities for young people by funding traineeships and apprenticeships.

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Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation - Income tax (charge)

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