Mary Glindon MP: The Budget and national recovery and renewal

This week’s budget contained nearly a hundred measures that provide a breathing space to those at the sharp end of the cost of living crisis.

This has been exacerbated by external factors such as President Trump’s cack-handed actions on Iran, which has fuelled soaring energy prices and borrowing costs as well as more inflation.

These budget measures are sometimes described as “small” but it’s a big relief that the budget gives £100 towards energy costs and that will reach about 90% of households in the North East.

The extra money to help revive our high streets is also vital. High streets bring life to our communities, and the budget will mean that many thousands of businesses will not pay any rates at all. They need the breathing space to develop their businesses and employ people for the sake of growth.

It’s only right that the funds for this come from an increased levy on the banks. We helped save them nearly 20 years ago and this allows them to return the favour.

But I disagree with removing business rate rebates for legitimate vape businesses. I fear this sends out a negative message about vaping as a largely safe alternative to smoking tobacco.

Some opponents and media people mock the budget because they always want high drama.  Some say the government has promised to reverse and adjust the bad habits acquired over the last forty years and this budget hasn’t done it.

It was never going to do that in one fell swoop. The budget is the first step. Next month the Prime Minister will release a coherent and detailed ten year plan and that will be followed by a major spending review. There’s more to come but I’m pleased the government is largely on the right path to recovery and reform.