Buxton MP says Budget really delivered for the High Peak

Robert Largan believes the Budget was good news for High Peak

The most pressing challenge we all face is the COVID-19 outbreak, which is why the Chancellor responded decisively with a comprehensive £30 billion package to support public services, individuals and businesses during this difficult time.

This package includes a commitment that whatever resources the NHS needs to cope, it will get.

Statutory sick pay will be available for all those who are advised to self-isolate from day one and sick notes can now be obtained by calling 111 and the requirement to attend Job Centre appointments in person are being relaxed.

A £500 million hardship fund will be also distributed to local councils to directly support vulnerable people.

The Government will also meet statutory sick pay costs for businesses with fewer than 250 employees.

The future of the NHS is also in safe hands as by 2023, NHS England will receive a cash increase of £34 billion a year to deliver 50 million more GP surgery appointments and 50,000 more nurses.

It was encouraging to see that the Government remains committed to levelling-up across the entire country.

Over the next five years, £640 billion will be invested in the UK’s infrastructure with money for roads and railways and £5 billion for gigabit-capable broadband rollout in the most difficult to reach areas of the UK.

The Budget also delivered in a big way for pubs in the High Peak.

Starting this April, the business rates discount for eligible pubs with a rateable value below £100,000 will be £5,000 instead of the £1,000 previously announced.

There will also be a freeze on duty rates for beer, cider, wine and spirits.

The Budget also delivers for the High Peak’s beautiful countryside with £640 million for the Nature for Climate Fund to help restore 35,000 hectares of peatland.

Times are tough right now.

But this Budget gives the country the tools it needs to get through this crisis and invest in the infrastructure and public services we need to underpin a decade of renewal.

Robert Largan is MP for High Peak.