“’This Budget backs the self-employed, the small business-owner and the homebuyer', so said the Chancellor. It was also a budget for the constituency of Louth & Horncastle,” stated Victoria Atkins, the Conservative Candidate.
“This Budget focused on issues that residents have raised with me as I have been working my way around the constituency,” said Victoria. “It coincided with the good news that 894 fewer people are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in this constituency than in February 2010, a reduction of 44%.
It is excellent that they and everyone else in work will be keeping more of their earnings, with the personal allowance being raised to £10,800 next year and to £11,000 in 2017.
“I am delighted that the day before the Secretary of State for Agriculture, the Rt. Hon. Liz Truss MP, met farmers in the constituency, the Chancellor accepted the argument that our farmers should be able to average out their earnings over 5 years for tax purposes, to help them survive the tough years. This should save farmers an average of £950 a year.
"We need a strong digital network so that our rural communities can enjoy the same levels of service which are available in towns and cities. Many villages like Harrington and Langton will welcome the announcement that new satellite technologies are to be tested to help connect areas that do not currently receive broadband. The funding of £600 million for new spectrum bands to improve mobile networks is also needed. Local residents and businesses deserve this level playing field."
“There were measures to help small businesses in the constituency including simplifying their tax returns, reviewing business rates and making it easier to take on apprentices. From next month, National Insurance contributions will be abolished for those employing under 21s. In addition, there will be extensions for small business rate relief and for high street businesses.”
Several people have raised with me the unfairness of paying taxes on the interest of their savings, particularly in retirement. The new Personal Savings Allowance will take around 95 per cent of people, around 17 million savers, out of savings tax altogether.
The Help To Buy ISA means that when a first-time homebuyer saves £200 for their deposit, the government will top this up with £50. This will help local residents, including young people, get on the housing ladder.
Finally, as someone who prosecutes tax fraudsters, I am pleased that the crack down on tax evasion is continuing, so that everyone pays their fair share of tax.
"I hope people will agree these Budget measures are good for our towns and villages as well as for the whole of the United Kingdom."