NEWTON Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris has welcomed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s spring budget and its help for the district.
Earlier today, Mr Hunt outlined his spring budget which aims to help strengthen the economy.
Among his budget is more help for childcare and pensions, a 5p cut on fuel duty, extra support for the disabled to get into work, over 50s apprenticeships, support for small businesses and extending the energy price guarantee by keeping the crop at £2,500.
An extra £200m a year, in addition to the £500m already allocated, will be made available to tackle ‘the curse’ of potholes.
Mr Hunt mentioned in the House of Commons the strong representation he had had from Devon MPs including Newton Abbot.
Public leisure centres and pools will share a £63m fund to help with costs.
Speaking after the announcements, Ms Morris said: ‘I welcome the Budget the Chancellor has delivered this afternoon, it builds upon the stability he delivered in November last year and allows us to pursue the growth the country needs.
‘For families fuel duty has been frozen, energy bills will benefit from the cap for a further three months, and there will 30 hours of free childcare for all under 5s.
‘For businesses, the government is incentivising investment, creating 12 new investment zones and fully expensing investment in IT equipment, plant, and machinery.
‘I am particularly delighted that the Chancellor has listened to the concerns I have raised with him, and that Devon and our own community have secured some special wins.’
These include:
Devon County Council to benefit from the £200million 'pot' for pothole repairs
Teignmouth Arts Action Group securing £88,560 from the Community Ownership Fund.
And, funding to public swimming pool providers to help with immediate cost pressures and make facilities more energy efficient.
She added: ‘This is a budget for growth.
‘Removing the obstacles that stop businesses investing, tackling labour shortages that stop businesses from recruiting, and breaking down the barriers that stop people from working.’