So declared VICTORIA ATKINS, the Conservative Candidate, as the Chancellor announced more money for flood defences in Louth and Horncastle, reductions in stamp duty for 98% of home buyers, increases in the personal allowance of income tax and action on business rates in his Autumn Statement.
“The announcements by the Chancellor this week reflect the concerns of residents and business people across the constituency,” said Victoria.
“The Chancellor has heard the plea from Conservative councillors and candidates for more money for flood defences - and he has delivered.
“Reducing stamp duty for 98% of housebuyers – especially first-time buyers – makes buying a new home much more affordable.
“I know from my conversations with business owners that acting on business rates will help local businesses in our market towns and villages.
“On my visits to local schools, young people often raise the need to create more apprenticeships. Abolishing the employers’ job tax on apprenticeships will help our young people to gain the skills they need for the modern economy.
“Government should take as little money as possible from hard-working people. I am delighted that the personal tax allowance will be raised in April 2015, meaning that workers keep the first £10,600 of their earnings before income tax applies. This helps to ensure that everyone shares in the economic recovery, even if their employers cannot yet afford wage increases.
“It is also excellent news that husbands and wives will now be able to inherit their partner’s ISA and keep its tax-free status.
And the Chancellor has even thought of our holiday plans – abolishing air passenger duty for children will help make holidays more affordable.”
Victoria summed up, “The economy is growing, unemployment and the deficit are falling, but there is more to do. I will keep up the pressure to make sure that our local needs are addressed at national level.”