The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today given his Autumn Statement, which saw the Government prioritise stability, growth and public services, as the country continues to navigate difficult waters due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and Putin’s war on Ukraine.
Highlights include:
- Protection of the State Pension Triple Lock – meaning pensions will rise with inflation
- Confirmation that benefits will be increased in line with inflation
- Additional funding for the Household Support Fund to help vulnerable households
- Confirmation that the Energy Price Guarantee will continue for another twelve months from April 2023 – saving the average household another £500
- Increasing the National Living Wage to provide £1,600 to 2 million low paid workers. From 1 April 2023
- A package worth £13.6 billion in total to help business rate payers
- The NHS budget will be increased in each of the next two years by £3.3bn
- An additional £4.4 billion funding for our schools over the next two years
- Confirmation of the devolution deal for Cornwall
Commenting, St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double said:
“I am pleased to see the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt deliver an Autumn Statement today that gives our country the stability it needs to see us through the troubling times we are in.”
“I have been consistent in calling for the Government to protect the Triple Lock for pensioners and increase benefits in line with inflation, and am pleased to see the Chancellor delivering on this.”
“It is also good to see billions of pounds more funding due to be invested into our NHS and education system, to ensure people can get the start they need and access to top quality healthcare.”
“Meanwhile to help households with the cost of living crisis I am pleased to see the Chancellor confirm the continuation of the Energy Price Guarantee for another twelves months from April, and more funding for the Household Support Fund.”
“And the Government is acting to help businesses in retail, hospitality and leisure rate payers with a £13.1billion business rate support package, including an extended and increased relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses worth almost £2.1 billion.”
“Finally it was good to see Cornwall’s devolution ambitions highlighted with the Chancellor mentioning a devolution deal for Cornwall, and I look forward to seeing this in more detail when it is published.”
“These are difficult times, but I am proud to be part of this Government that is taking the decisions and action needed to see us through them.”