CHANCELLOR Alistair Darling’s first Budget will deliver economic stability in the face of global economic challenges.
That’s the verdict of borough Labour MP Andrew Miller, who hailed the Budget as “great news” for all people in Ellesmere Port and Neston.
Mr Darling set out measures to tackle climate change, support and develop business and innovation, help lift more children out of poverty, meet the long-term challenge of delivering affordable housing and increase income for pensioner households.
Mr Miller said: “I welcome the focus on tackling the big issues of today.
“Further steps to tackle climate change will include reforms to Vehicle Excise Duty, action to reduce emissions and plans to eliminate plastic carrier bags.
“The Budget also sets out further financial support for children which will lift 250,000 out of poverty to ensure that some of our most vulnerable citizens are not forgotten.
“And the increase in the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners will result in nearly 20,000 local people getting extra cash to pay their heating bills this year. The huge rise for the over-80s is particularly welcome.”
For businesses, there are new financial support measures and reforms to simplify regulation and tax burdens.
Mr Miller added: “This is a Budget that reinforces Labour’s commitment to economic stability, opportunity and security for all.”
However, Age Concern, which has a project office in Pooltown Road, said that although the Winter Fuel Payment increase from £200 to £250 for over-60s and from £300 to £400 for over-80s was welcome, it was not nearly enough to cover rising fuel bills.
Director general Gordon Lishman said: “We need to see a long-term solution for the estimated 2.25 million older people in fuel poverty. A radical new package of measures should be introduced to target these people. We wanted to see the £200 Winter Fuel Payment raised to at least £300 and significant investment made in energy efficiency schemes.
“The Government should also make it compulsory for energy companies to offer meaningful social tariffs to vulnerable groups.”
Retail union Usdaw welcomed the announcement of a rise in tax credits that will benefit shopworkers and other low-paid staff who don’t have children.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, said the Budget was “dull” but had a “welcome green agenda”.
Paul Kenny, GMB union general secretary, said: “Mr Darling wants to hold down public sector pay below inflation. This attempt to cut living standards will be met with resistance and will undermine morale.”
