MP welcomes Autumn Budget

South Shropshire MP and Health Minister Philip Dunne has welcomed new measures announced in the Budget, including more money for the NHS.

The Budget set out the Government’s plans to invest in technology for the future, support families with their cost of living, build a significant number of new homes and help young people to get on the housing ladder.

The Chancellor also announced significant additional funding for the NHS, with an extra £10 billion package of capital investment; an extra £2.8 billion resource funding to 2019-20, including £350 million for this winter and £1.6 billion next year; and additional funding if a settlement is reached on pay for nurses and other Agenda for Change staff.

Mr Dunne said: “This was a Budget that both invests over the long term and supports families and businesses under pressure now.

“I am delighted that the Chancellor has delivered significant extra funding for the NHS, taking the health budget to £121.9bn next year.

“Additional steps to help people in South Shropshire keep more of their own money will ease pressure on family budgets, by increasing the National Living Wage by above inflation, cutting income tax by raising the personal allowance, and freezing fuel duty for the 8th year.

“It was also encouraging to see support for young people to get on the housing ladder. Abolishing stamp duty for over 80% of first time buyers is great news for people in South Shropshire who want to own their own home. 

“These are important steps, which can only be afforded thanks to careful management of the country’s finances.”