BOROUGH MP Andrew Miller has welcomed the Budget as one which will deliver help to the people who need it most.
Mr Miller said: “This is a Budget for jobs and targeted investment in a stronger recovery.
“We know that if we don’t act now, it will cost us all more in the long run and I welcome the Budget with its focus on jobs now and jobs in the future.
“Building on the support already coming through, the measures in the Budget will help us deal with the economic difficulties and support jobs, families, businesses and the environment, and it will help Britain build for the future and be best placed when the worldwide financial turmoil comes to an end.”
Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant has suffered due to the ongoing economic downturn and Mr Miller is pleased that the motor industry is being given support.
“Help for the automotive sector is vital for the future of our community and the Government’s announcement of the introduction of a temporary vehicle scrappage scheme is welcome news”, he said.
“A discount of £2,000 will be offered to customers buying a new vehicle to replace one that is more than 10 years old, which they have owned for more than a year.
“This builds on Geoff Hoon’s statement last week that should encourage investment in electric and other alternatively powered cars and is good news not just for Vauxhall but the many other families whose livelihood depends on the components and dealerships. It is good news for the whole of our community.”
A Vauxhall spokesman said: “This is about generating footfall to showrooms in the short and medium term.”
Mr Miller claimed thousands of elderly people in the borough will benefit from extra financial aid.
He said: “The Budget also offers support for savers and older people through an increase in the annual investment limit for Individual Savings Accounts to £10,200, up to £5,100 of which can be saved in cash.
“In addition the extra money alongside the Winter Fuel Payment, worth £100 for households with someone aged over 80 and £50 for households with someone aged over 60, will continue this year. This will help nearly 19,000 people in Ellesmere Port and Neston.
“And thousands of local pensioners will benefit from an increase in the level of savings that are not taken into account when calculating Pension Credit entitlement.
“The Chancellor also announced a package of measures to help homeowners, homebuyers and the housing market.
“Budget 2009 offers a package of targeted support that will really help to put Britain on the road to recovery and build a better future for our community.”
