Neil O’Brien said:
“I welcome the measures set out in today’s Autumn Statement. It will ensure economic stability, protect the NHS, and cut inflation.
The extra 6.6 billion over the next two years for the NHS, and the record increase in social care funding will help make it easier for people in Harborough, Oadby and Wigston to see their GP and cut waiting times. It will make sure older people are properly looked after. In total there is an 11 billion boost to schools and hospitals and I was glad to hear the Chancellor’s emphasis on proper technical education, not just universities.
A lot of lower paid workers here will benefit from the huge increase in the National Living Wage, which will rise from £9.50 per hour to £10.42 per hour. That’s worth over £1,600 to a full-time worker.
Lots of people have been in touch about the pensions Triple Lock, and having made representations on this to other ministers I am pleased to see the state pension will be protected.
On energy, our current support measures are saving people a third off their bills, which is worth about £700 per household this winter. It’s good to hear that support will be continuing, with extra help for the poorest.
Windfall taxes on energy companies are being extended and increased. It is quite right that firms that have made windfall profits through luck are asked to pay towards the cost of helping households will bills.
Putin’s invasion of Ukraine boosted inflation right across the world, but the measures set out by the Chancellor today will ensure that debt will start to fall, the downturn will be shallower, and unemployment lower than originally predicted.
I was glad to see the Chancellor announce the first government backed nuclear power plant for 30 years. That will help the UK to become more energy independent in future years and rely less on Putin.
I thought Jeremy Hunt’s statement was professional, serious and right. He is right to focus on protecting the most vulnerable across Harborough, Oadby and Wigston while providing the long-term economic stability and growth that is vital for everyone.”
