The MP for Copeland Trudy Harrison has hailed today’s Budget that promises to ‘level-up’ across the north-west.
The Budget, delivered by newly appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, marks the start of record levels of investment in infrastructure, the NHS and public services.
On the recent Coronavirus outbreak, Rishi Sunak: “I can say absolutely categorically the NHS will get whatever resources it needs to get us through this and to respond to the health crisis.”
Joining colleagues in the Chamber, Trudy Harrison MP welcomed announcements including scrapping business rates for small businesses for one year, freezing both fuel and alcohol duty and increasing the National Insurance threshold to £9,500.
Additionally, a £5 billion funding boost will support gigabit-capable broadband, 40 times faster times than standard super-fast broadband, while £1 billion is to be invested in improving mobile phone reception in rural areas.
The Chancellor’s Budget also included a £2.5 billion boost to fill potholes over the next five years, with the North West receiving £66 million for local road maintenance through the Potholes Fund in 2020-21.
There was also a pledge to double the current flood and coastal defence investment, helping to better protect 336,000 homes.
Mrs Harrison, said: “Today’s budget, the first delivered outside of the EU for more than five decades sets out measures to support families and businesses while investing in Britain’s future responsibly.
“For Copeland, I am encouraged to see spending on infrastructure for our much-needed roads, rail and broadband that is holding back many businesses in Cumbria.
“Investment in flood defences, and a £640m "nature for climate fund" will help protect and to sustain areas of our beautiful and world-renowned landscape.
“I am pleased that business rates for small enterprises will be scrapped, and the freeze on alcohol duty will support the hundreds of pubs in communities across Copeland.”