West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today welcomed a budget which will lay the foundation for future economic success. Highlight include a measures which will see Stamp Duty abolished for most first time buyers, an extra £15 billion to support new housebuilding across the UK and planning reform to make better use of urban land. The Budget, presented today by Chancellor Philip Hammond, also announced £2.3 billion investment in science and innovation, a 4.4 per cent increase in the National Living Wage, a further increase in the personal tax allowance to £11,850 and reforms to the implementation of Universal Credit. Harriett commented: “There is a range of great measures that will help local young people in particular, including the Stamp Duty measures to help first time buyers and a new extended rail card. “There is an extra £2.8 billion funding for the NHS and £10 billion to upgrade buildings and facilities and £42 million invested in teacher training. “Duty on ciders wines, beers and spirits is frozen and with fuel duty also frozen, the average car driver is £850 better off since 2010. “This is a budget that has clear long-term aims to make Britain fit for the future and I welcome these measures which will help deliver a more prosperous country as we prepare to leave the EU.”