I have welcomed tax cuts, support for low-income families and incentives for businesses in the government’s Autumn Statement.
Jeremy Hunt unveiled a 2% cut from 12% to 10% in national insurance for 27 million workers. The reduction will put around £450 in the average worker’s pocket.
The pension triple lock has been maintained and will rise by 8.5% or an extra £900 a year - one of the largest ever cash increases.
The rise in the National Living Wage will help those on low incomes. It has gone up from £10.42 to £11.44 an hour
There was also a freeze on beer duty to help Stourbridge’s pub trade and business rates were frozen along with tax incentives for companies to invest to boost productivity.
Now inflation is more than halved, the Chancellor was able to help a range of people from workers to those on benefits and I thought it was a statement that many could take something from.
These have been challenging times but the government has stuck to the plan. I agree with the Chancellor when he said we have turned a corner. Support for those who need it remains on those cost-of-living pressures while we look to continue to grow the economy over the longer term.
