Budget Resolutions and Economic Situation

Mark Prisk Con

Hertford and Stevenage

Asked for interruptions during Michael Dugher's speech but was denied.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Supports the main measures in the Budget, including tax reductions that take more people out of income tax and 40% tax brackets. Welcomes changes for the North Sea oil industry and capital gains tax alterations, though questions whether economic models used by the OBR are fit for purpose.

John Pugh LD

Southport

Asked John Redwood if the OBR has been any better at predicting the economy than the Treasury was before.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Redwood criticised the accuracy of official forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility and argued that they are often destabilising due to their frequent revisions. He also highlighted the Governor of the Bank of England's changing stance on interest rates, suggesting it adds to economic uncertainty. Redwood dismissed the OBR's forecast concerning Brexit, arguing that its predictions should be ignored because the organisation is consistently inaccurate.

Graham Jones Lab

West Lancashire

Jones asked for clarification on the section of the Chancellor’s speech regarding the European Union and Redwood responded by disagreeing with OBR's forecast about Brexit, stating that Britain could be more prosperous and free if it left the EU.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Wilson interrupted to ask for an opportunity to speak but no further contribution was recorded.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Redwood continued his argument, highlighting the potential financial benefits of leaving the EU and the impact on public spending. He emphasised that £10 billion could be saved annually if Britain stopped sending money abroad to the continent.

Neil Carmichael Con

Stroud

Carmichael questioned Redwood's reliability in quoting figures given his previous criticism of the OBR and Bank of England. He asked for assurance that any cited figures were accurate, suggesting a need to verify other British institutions.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Redwood confirmed that the Government's net contribution figures are likely correct as they reflect actual spending and contributions. He urged for more work on reducing balance of payments deficit, particularly through trade policies with EU and domestic timber and energy industries.

Mark Prisk Con

Hertford and Stortford

Prisk asked Redwood about the challenges faced by small and medium-sized firms in obtaining mid-size capital for long-term export plans.

John Redwood Con

Wokingham

Redwood responded that the cost of capital is not necessarily a problem, suggesting government support through investment banks. He emphasised the importance of infrastructure projects such as broadband and extra energy capacity to avoid economic recovery constraints.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

I broadly welcome some of the Chancellor’s points, particularly on tax changes to tackle multinational tax avoidance. However, I argue that more transparency is needed regarding how multinationals operate in order for us to secure more tax revenue from them. The NHS faces a £22 billion funding gap and ongoing financial difficulties due to efficiency targets set by past Chancellors. We urgently need a national conversation on NHS funding. Regarding education policy, while Hackney’s schools have improved since the introduction of academies, structural changes should not overshadow the importance of good teaching and leadership. Concerns exist over accountability in school chains and potential risks if they fail. Devolving power to local levels raises questions about fiscal responsibility and taxpayer oversight. Infrastructure projects like Crossrail 2 are welcome, but there is concern that the merger of project management bodies may compromise effective monitoring. There is a need for better support for those living in poverty, including addressing low-wage jobs and childcare affordability issues.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan

Asked Meg Hillier whether she agrees that reducing the debt interest deduction from 100% to 30% could help British companies pay more corporation tax. She was supportive of this measure as a step in the right direction.

Anne-Marie Trevelyan Con

unknown constituency

Highlights the challenge of delivering on universal service obligation for superfast broadband in very rural areas.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con

North Cotswolds

Reiterates need for support for bespoke solutions and mentions Gigaclear contract as a positive step. Discusses EU membership, arguing that leaving would allow Britain to become more competitive and control immigration better.

Chris Leslie Lab

unknown constituency

Welcomes Chancellor's steps to discourage child sugar consumption but criticises the downgrading of economic growth forecasts in the OBR analysis. Points out issues with the Chancellor’s spending review assumptions and adjustments made due to unmet reclassifications.

Greg Hands Con

Chelsea and Fulham

Defends the Chancellor's reliance on independent forecasts from the OBR, suggesting that criticising these forecasts misunderstands their role.

Chris Leslie Lab/Co-op

North East Derbyshire

Critiques the Chancellor’s budget for raiding public sector pensions and shifting corporation tax payments. Highlights significant downgrades in productivity and earnings growth as per OBR forecasts, criticises tax cuts for the wealthy funded by reductions in disability support, and notes major cuts to local government services and transport budgets.

Andrea Jenkyns Con

Morley and Outwood

Defends the Budget as supportive of small businesses through increased tax relief, lower corporation taxes, reforming capital gains tax rates, simplifying business taxes, and modernizing tax rules to close loopholes.

Andrea Jenkyns Con

Morley and Outwood

I have worked in schools as a music teacher, making education very important to me. The reforms announced today will give every young person the chance to succeed, with Morley, Outwood and Woodkirk academies exemplifying this change. By 2020, all English schools will either be academies or in the process of conversion, with a focus on improving performance in northern areas by teaching maths up to age 18 and introducing a national fair funding formula benefiting 90% of schools. The Government are investing £20 million annually into the northern powerhouse schools strategy to address educational divides in the north. In my constituency, the M62 will be upgraded to a four-lane smart motorway, while High Speed 3 from Manchester to Leeds will reduce travel times between cities, benefiting Yorkshire and the northwest economically. The Budget also includes historically low fuel prices due to duty freezes, saving an average driver £70 annually. Beer duty is being frozen, protecting local pubs and supporting breweries and Scotch whisky industries.

Graham Jones Lab

Blackpool North and Cleveleys

Asked the hon. Member for Morley and Outwood to comment on the Chancellor's speech regarding the EU referendum.

Andrea Jenkyns Con

Morley and Outwood

Supported the Government’s decision on the first-time EU referendum in 40 years, emphasising it was put in British public hands. The Chancellor committed additional money for flood defences, including £35 million for phase 2 of Leeds flood alleviation scheme. Criticised Labour's previous influences and their economic stance, suggesting they should never be trusted with national finances.

Eleanor Laing Con

Epping Forest

Ordered the Chamber to reduce noise levels for proper debate proceedings.

Andrea Jenkyns Con

Morley and Outwood

Emphasised this Budget provides opportunities for youth, business growth, job creation in northern powerhouse regions, housing through planning reforms, a strong economy with budget surplus. Praises the first-time EU referendum decision.

Pat Glass Lab

North West Durham

Addressed tax avoidance and its impact on UK and developing world economies. Welcomed Chancellor's announcement to close loopholes for big companies but highlighted need for transparency given global inequality crisis, $7.6 trillion hidden in tax havens affecting public expenditure cuts.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Asked her hon. Friend about the contrast between Google's US chief executive’s salary package worth £130 million and its HMRC tax settlement for a 10-year period, both being around the same amount.

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown Con

North Cotswolds

Agrees with Pat Glass on the avoidance of corporation tax by large corporations but believes that tackling this issue internationally is what the Chancellor has been trying to do through international bodies like the OECD, G7 and G20.

Pat Glass Lab Co-op

North West Durham

Reiterates her stance on mandatory reporting and transparency as key measures against tax avoidance. She criticises the Government for not delivering on promises made three years ago regarding public registries of beneficial ownership in UK Crown dependencies and overseas territories.

Neil Carmichael Con

Addresses education reform, advocating more academies as a way to improve schools. Despite agreeing with Meg Hillier's concern about qualified teachers, he insists that well-led academies within multi-academy trusts are essential for quality education.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Raises concerns over the effectiveness of teacher training in academies. Emphasises the importance of having qualified teachers in classrooms rather than forcing every school into academy status.

Neil Carmichael Con

Stroud

Carmichael advocated for including university technology colleges within Multi-Academy Trusts. He highlighted the need to make mathematics a mandatory subject up to age 18, referencing international statistics and advocating for better funding structures in schools. He supported devolution initiatives, infrastructure investment plans that offer long-term certainty to businesses, changes in business rates that benefit small businesses, and argued against leaving the EU due to economic risks.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Wilson welcomed some measures in the budget but criticised their potential delivery. He raised concerns about tax avoidance rhetoric lacking follow-through actions. He emphasised Northern Ireland's financial benefits from the UK government, including funding for an air ambulance. Wilson argued against EU membership due to inefficient use of funds and regulatory burdens.

Chris Stephens

Stephens questioned Sammy Wilson about HMRC office closures impacting tax avoidance efforts in Northern Ireland.

Sammy Wilson DUP

East Antrim

Large firms benefit from lobbying power which restricts innovation and entry of small businesses into markets. Small businesses are hindered by regulations and red tape from Europe. The Chancellor avoided discussing the negative budgetary impact of EU membership. Growth forecasts have been reduced due to various factors, some out of the Chancellor's control but others within it. Infrastructure investment could improve growth and productivity but is not being prioritised adequately. There is inequality across regions in the UK with Northern Ireland experiencing lower growth rates compared to London and the south-east. Research and innovation funding should be inclusive of places like Queen’s University Belfast, a driver for local businesses. The tax cut benefits those who pay no income tax as well as lower-income groups, but more needs to be done for those at the bottom without hope or skills. The Government's focus on cutting capital gains tax over aiding disabled people illustrates their lack of support for less fortunate individuals.

David Rutley Con

Macclesfield

Welcomed the new sugar levy as a positive step towards addressing public health challenges and obesity. Acknowledged the Chancellor’s measures to help deliver long-term economic plans, supporting entrepreneurship, export, employer, and employee interests for an enterprise economy. Highlighted the importance of self-employment with 4.6 million people being self-employed now compared to about 4 million in 2010. Praise was given to the abolition of class 2 national insurance for simplification of tax systems for the self-employed. Emphasised the need for productivity improvement and reduction in business rates, lower taxes, infrastructure investment, science innovation focus. Also mentioned capital gains tax cuts and corporation tax reduction to boost enterprise.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Expressed agreement with the hon. Member for Macclesfield on the importance of a sugar levy for addressing obesity and bringing savings to the NHS, changing attitudes and saving £27 billion over the next generation.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

Asked David Rutley about the impact of introducing the living wage on long-term staff salaries in high street chains and supermarkets, suggesting that it could lead to salary cuts for these employees.

David Rutley Con

Macclesfield

Mr Rutley argued that the Government's plan to highlight organisations not adhering to the national living wage through 'naming and shaming' is a positive direction. He emphasised the need for rebalancing the economy geographically, particularly focusing on the north, with Treasury analysis suggesting an additional £56 billion going into the northern economy over 15 years. Rutley highlighted measures such as city deals, growth deals, and the creation of a northern transport strategy, including the statutory footing for Transport for the North with a £50 million budget to 2020. He also mentioned the importance of supporting sectors like life sciences and welcomed the protection of the science budget in real terms until the end of the decade.

Chris Evans Lab Co-op

Caerphilly

The Chancellor of the Exchequer has failed to meet his promises regarding deficit reduction, tax reform, welfare reform, and banking regulation. The current budget deficit stands at £72.2 billion in 2016-17 with an optimistic surplus target of £10.4 billion by 2019-20. Chris Evans suggests taxing companies locally on a fraction of their worldwide income based on domestic activity or abolishing tax incentives to ensure fair tax contributions. He also advocates for regional tax rates tailored to encourage business startups and wealth creation in regions like Wales, Northern Ireland, and the north-east. Furthermore, he calls for increased investment in science and innovation to sustain growth and competitiveness. Evans criticises welfare reform as inadequate and urges for a cross-party report on benefits delivery. Lastly, he denounces HSBC's decision to close its branch in Risca without consulting the local community and advocates for competition in banking by promoting real-time data sharing.

Jacob Rees-Mogg Con

North East Somerset

Rees-Mogg outlines his support for reducing corporate taxation, cuts to the top rate of income tax, and reforming personal taxation. He expresses disagreement with the Red Book’s claims regarding EU membership benefits, arguing it imposes high tariffs and unnecessary regulations. He criticises the Government's failure to secure meaningful reforms in agriculture and fishing policies during negotiations.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Shannon questions Rees-Mogg about the Prime Minister’s lack of success in securing better deals for the fishing and farming sectors within EU negotiations. He suggests that these sectors were neglected despite their importance.

Jacob Rees-Mogg Con

North East Somerset

Rees-Mogg responds by confirming his view on the failures of EU policies such as CAP and CFP, stating they are significant burdens for UK farmers and fishermen. He emphasises that leaving the EU would be financially beneficial for farmers.

Mark Pritchard Con

The Wrekin

Pritchard challenges Rees-Mogg's perspective on farming, mentioning the support from the National Farmers Union in Shropshire and the NFU nationally to remain within the EU for agricultural benefits.

Jacob Rees-Mogg Con

North East Somerset

Rees-Mogg counters Pritchard by arguing that farmers value national independence over EU membership, pointing out that UK pays disproportionately more into CAP than it receives in benefits. He also criticises the proposed devolved metro Mayor system for Somerset.

Alison Thewliss

Thewliss invites Rees-Mogg to join a cause or movement, but he politely declines due to his British identity and commitment to unionism while supporting independence for Somerset.

Alison McGovern Lab

Birkenhead

The hon. Member for Birkenhead (Alison McGovern) criticises the Chancellor's approach to austerity, describing him as a 'rule-breaking, U-turning, target-missing chancer'. She argues that people will feel cynical about the current budget because it does not deliver on promised outcomes such as living wages and debt reduction. She highlights how the Chancellor missed his targets in the last Parliament due to selling off assets rather than genuine fiscal improvements.

Margaret Ferrier

The hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Margaret Ferrier) questions whether the Chancellor's belief that the deficit will soon be eliminated is realistic, given the current level of public debt. She notes that UK is paying £37 billion a year in debt interest, which is more than Scotland’s entire block grant.

Alison McGovern Lab

Birkenhead

Reiterating her earlier points, the hon. Member for Birkenhead argues that the Chancellor failed to meet his own targets in previous years and now presents false optimism without addressing important issues like the bank levy on building societies, Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign, NHS deficits, child poverty, and childcare support. She also criticises the government's decision to spend more on tax cuts for the rich than on family support.

Alan Mak Con

Havant

I support this Budget. It puts the next generation first, it gets Britain fit for the future and it protects our economy against economic headwinds in the global economy. Since 2010, under this Chancellor's leadership, we have seen the fastest-growing economy in the developed world, with a reduced deficit, low inflation and interest rates, record employment, and significant reductions in jobseeker’s allowance claimants in Havant by over 50%. The Budget supports people across Britain, particularly through tax cuts for hard-working individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and savers. It includes rises in the personal allowance to £11,500, rising higher rate thresholds, freezing fuel duty, cutting corporation tax to 17%, doubling small business rate relief, and abolishing national insurance for self-employed people. Additionally, it encourages young savings through lifetime ISAs, supports fairer school funding, particularly important in Havant due to its underfunding history, and introduces a sugar levy to address obesity issues among the youth.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

While acknowledging some positive aspects of previous economic policies during coalition government, I criticise the current Chancellor's unnecessary cuts that will remove support from people with disabilities, cut universal credit, contribute to increasing child poverty, delay transport projects, abandon housing projects, fail to provide adequate funding for flood-hit communities in Cumbria despite EU solidarity funding availability, and ignore the needs of Northern England. The Budget is seen as a microwave version of previous policies that were never fully implemented. There's an urgent need for better teacher retention and fair wages as schools consider extending school days.

Mark Williams Lab

Supporting the concerns raised by my Liberal Democrat colleague, I emphasise the negative impact of driving towards academies on teacher confidence and standards in schools. There's a significant recruitment and retention crisis among teachers that must be addressed to ensure educational quality.

Tim Farron Lib Dem

Westmorland and Lonsdale

The Chancellor's Budget is seen as damaging for the educational system and children due to the pressure it puts on teachers and headteachers. The Government's decision to devolve business rates without paying for it will put communities under greater threat, with social care, local transport, and rubbish collections facing serious issues. The Budget lacks immediate investment in critical areas such as transport, broadband, housing, and green energy, favouring distant plans instead. Furthermore, the Chancellor is undermining infrastructure at a time when investments are needed most to secure long-term economic stability.

Robert Jenrick Reform

Newark

Supports the Chancellor's Budget for addressing four key pillars: tackling the deficit, reducing taxes on businesses and individuals, investing in infrastructure and skills, and cutting government size. The current approach is reducing the deficit through economic growth and tax revenue increases rather than spending cuts alone. Welcomes further reductions in corporation tax and allowances for new entrepreneurs, as well as changes to small business rate relief and reductions in capital gains tax to foster a competitive business environment. Also supports investments in infrastructure like flood defences and major road projects, along with the apprenticeship levy and tax breaks for museums to promote cultural access across regions.

Margaret Ferrier SNP

R Renfrewshire N

Margaret Ferrier questions the validity of the Chancellor's claim that inequality is down. She points out that wealth creation disproportionately benefits the richest 1%, further highlighting the need for more equitable measures.

Jonathan Edwards PC

Dwyfor Meirionnydd

Edwards responds to Ferrier, noting the Budget's regressive tax cuts and lack of measures addressing wealth inequality. He also discusses the need for banking reform and investment in Welsh infrastructure.

James Berry Con

Kingston upon Hull E

Berry welcomes certain aspects of the budget, such as funding for Crossrail 2 and small business tax cuts. He emphasises the cross-party support for this project and its benefits to his constituency.

Simon Hoare Con

North Dorset

Hoare recognises the benefits of Crossrail 2 beyond London, highlighting improved connectivity in the south-west of England.

James Berry Con

Brent North

Supports the inclusion of Crossrail 2 in the Budget and highlights the need for improved infrastructure to address overcrowding on trains. He emphasises that his constituency will benefit from step-free access at all stations, reduced overcrowding, and improved accessibility.

Caroline Flint Lab

Dona Valley

Critiques the Chancellor's economic plan and questions whether there is sufficient funding for proposed infrastructure projects. She calls for a more transparent process to ensure timely delivery of such projects. Additionally, she introduces the Multinational Enterprises (Financial Transparency) Bill aimed at increasing corporate financial transparency.

Kevin Foster Con

Torbay

Supports Caroline Flint's bill and suggests that there is a role for the UK Government in addressing tax havens that fly the British flag, indicating potential cooperation with HMRC to ensure fair taxation practices.

Caroline Flint Lab

Don Valley

Thanked the hon. Gentleman for his support on her Bill and emphasised the need to clamp down on practices that are not acceptable. She wrote to the Chancellor but received no response, indicating she will seek to amend a new Finance Bill with cross-party support. Proposed measures aim to ensure social justice, fairness, and good business practice through publication pressure. Criticised plans to force every school to become an academy, suggesting it was ill-thought out and not aligned with local autonomy. Highlighted concerns over the negative impact of large academy chains on schools in her constituency.

Yasmin Qureshi Lab

Bolton South and Walkden

Challenged Conservative claims about economic management, providing data to show that while Labour reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio, it increased under the coalition government. Criticised the current Government for failing to address the national debt effectively and misleadingly claiming a fast-growing economy. Advocated for investment in affordable housing and renewables, arguing against fracking as a solution to energy crises due to environmental risks. Highlighted the regressive nature of tax cuts alongside welfare cuts, questioning the Government's commitment to social justice. Criticised plans to force all schools into academies despite no evidence of improved standards.

Jonathan Reynolds Lab Co-op

Stalybridge and Hyde

The Chancellor's Budget fails to meet targets, with growth downgraded for the current year and beyond. The deficit remains high at £74 billion a year and debt is rising. The Conservative claim of having the fastest growing economy in western Europe is undermined by IMF forecasts showing faster growth elsewhere. The fiscal rules on welfare spending and debt have been broken, suggesting they are political constructs rather than economic necessities. There is a need for substantial investment in transport, energy, social care, and other areas to enhance competitiveness and sustainability. While welcoming the Chancellor's pro-EU stance and sugar tax, the speaker criticises cuts to local authority funding and lacks of detail on small business assistance programmes. Energy policy needs reform including support for renewables and efficiency measures. Transport infrastructure projects require adequate funding and a conducive fiscal environment.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

The national living wage introduced by the Chancellor is not delivering expected benefits to low-paid workers, as some employers are using it as an opportunity to cut staff pay. B&Q has implemented changes that reduce employees' earnings, stripping away bonuses and extra pay for Sundays and bank holidays. This affects long-standing staff members who rely on these wages, leading to significant financial hardship. The speaker highlights the case of Mr Jones, a disabled part-time employee facing reduced income despite working hard and supporting his family. There is no adequate representation or support mechanism in place for such workers.

Anna Soubry

Offers to meet Siobhain McDonagh confidentially regarding the issues raised about B&Q staff pay changes. As the Minister responsible for retail, she undertakes to address these concerns directly with B&Q and suggests working together with Dame Rosie Winterton on this issue.

Siobhain McDonagh Lab

Mitcham and Morden

I would be delighted to accept the offer, and I will show my right hon. Friend all the emails I have received about people in desperate situations... It is not because they do not try; it is because of their direct effort—I will be doing my job.

Tom Elliott Con

Fermanagh and South Tyrone

There is almost a sense of anti-climax this afternoon. We have seen much less controversy in the Budget not just for this year, but for the last number of years... It will be a great memorial for the family of the late Dr John Hinds who lost his life campaigning for an air ambulance.

Angus MacNeil SNP

Na h-Eileanan an Iar

The hon. Gentleman raises a good point. The Barnett consequentials are a consequence of a need in England... When we have a need, we should get the money.

Pat Glass Lab

North West Durham

It is really good that there will be an air ambulance supported by Government money in Northern Ireland, but does he not agree that the same should apply to all other regions?

Wes Streeting Lab

Ilford North

This has been a fascinating journey, following the Chancellor as he has brought us to this point... Instead of focusing on the long road ahead to our national recovery, he seems to be more interested in the short walk next door to No. 10.

Angus MacNeil SNP

Na h-Eileanan an Iar

The hon. Gentleman talks about growth, and it is interesting that the Chancellor has talked about major advanced economies as though that was a very narrow club... Our neighbours in Ireland have growth treble that of the UK and those in Iceland have double that growth.

Wes Streeting Lab

Ilford North

The economy's growth has been revised down from 2.4% to 2%, with no realistic chance of eliminating the deficit during this Parliament, and debt is increasing yearly. Productivity remains below pre-crisis levels despite six years in office. While welcoming investment in Crossrail 2, net public investment will fall by £32 billion by the end of the decade, a sign that it's not a genuine long-term economic plan. Exports are falling short and tax burdens remain high at 36.3% of GDP. The Chancellor’s approach to Europe is problematic due to internal party disagreements, affecting economic security. Income tax cuts benefit the richest households more than others, with capital gains tax cuts offsetting recent disabled people cuts. Despite claims of aiding young people, tuition fees have been increased and other educational support cut. The new lifetime ISA is seen as encouraging home ownership without sufficient housing investment, benefiting Conservative MPs disproportionately. Local government funding has drastically decreased over six years, impacting front-line services such as public health and social care, leading to increased council tax.

Adrian Bailey Lab

West Bromwich West

The Chancellor's Budget demonstrates missed targets and U-turns, with the latest being a potential 'lame duck' budget due to its reliance on continued EU membership. The lack of leadership in projecting long-term economic plans is evident, risking damage from internal politics. Manufacturing investment has resulted in low productivity, affecting growth and export performance. Business rates and corporation tax reforms need holistic consideration to encourage business investment without penalizing companies for increasing productivity through machinery investments. Apprenticeships and academisation have not addressed acute skills shortages in STEM fields crucial for manufacturing industry development. Infrastructure investment has dropped by nearly half over five years, with only 9% of pipeline projects being delivered, heavily concentrated in London and the southeast.

Callum McCaig SNP

Glasgow North West

Welcomes the Chancellor's announcements on oil and gas but criticises the tax levels, stating they are not as supportive as Oil and Gas UK had hoped. He mentions the supplementary charge reduction is insufficient when compared to corporation tax reductions, and the effective abolition of petroleum revenue tax only benefits fewer fields. Highlights the proposed manoeuvring of decommissioning allowances as helpful but not enough for future industry support. Advocates for more exploration support and removal of fiscal barriers for enhanced oil recovery.

Tommy Sheppard SNP

Edinburgh East

Welcomes the Chancellor's sugar tax proposal but criticises other aspects of the budget, particularly the focus on achieving a £10 billion surplus by 2019-20. Questions whether this is political rather than economic, given its timing and impact on public services. Suggests an alternative approach to growth through increased public spending and argues against the inequality introduced by tax changes. Criticises welfare cuts for vulnerable individuals and proposes a programme of economic growth instead.

Helen Goodman Lab

Bishop Auckland

The Chancellor's focus has been too short-term, failing to address long-term needs. She criticised the lack of investment in infrastructure and skilled workforce, citing an example of the A66 road scheme needing urgent widening. Helen also pointed out a decline in GCSE scores at academies in her constituency despite changes in governance status. Furthermore, she highlighted the absence of distributional analysis for tax and benefit changes in the Budget. She argued that more equal societies grow faster and called for transparency regarding budget cuts across various Departments.

David Morris Con

Morecambe and Lunesdale

Asked Helen Goodman about young people’s ISA, suggesting it would benefit them in their old age. He did not provide a detailed critique but asked for her opinion on the matter.

Roger Mullin Lab

Hampshire Fylde

Critiqued the Chancellor's Budget statement as another attack on vulnerable people, emphasising failures in achieving targets like debt reduction and export growth. He noted that the poor are being asked to sacrifice for the benefit of the rich, highlighting growing inequality as a major issue. Mullin also welcomed initiatives to make tax affairs more transparent but criticised the slow progress on city deals for Scotland.

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