Hexham MP Guy Opperman has welcomed Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Budget. The Budget was announced alongside positive economic projections from the Office of Budget Responsibility as a result of the UK’s successful vaccination rollout, and the roadmap out of lockdown announced by the Prime Minister last week.
The Chancellor set out an ambitious plan that focuses on supporting people and businesses through this moment of crisis – well beyond the end of the roadmap – to ensure they have the security and stability they need.
At the heart of the Budget are measures to build our future economy, levelling up across all regions of the United Kingdom.
The extension of the furlough until the end of September will ensure continued support for businesses, employees and families as the economy opens up. Two further grants will be available for the self-employed – and the newly self-employed will be eligible for both grants.
New Restart grants of up to £18,000 and recovery loans will assist local businesses to re-open.
The opening of the new Levelling Up Fund for its first round of bids, alongside the opening of a new Treasury campus in Darlington shows the government’s commitment to levelling up and spreading opportunity across the whole country.
Guy Opperman MP said:
“The Budget provides businesses and families across Tynedale with support and reassurance to help get through the pandemic.
‘’The support for individuals, families and businesses with the extension of furlough, additional grants for the self-employed, alongside Restart grants and loans paves the way for a successful unlocking of the economy as we move through the Prime Minister’s roadmap.’’
“I was elected on a commitment to level up communities like ours, and I am thrilled the Government is delivering on investment and spreading opportunity right across our region’’.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP said:
“Throughout this pandemic, my top priority has been to protect jobs, businesses and livelihoods. Today’s Budget reaffirms this commitment, with £407 billion to support the British people this year and next as one of the largest, most comprehensive and sustained responses this country has ever seen.
“As we look ahead, this Budget lays the foundations of our future economy – driving up productivity, creating green jobs, supporting small businesses, and levelling up across the entire United Kingdom”.