West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today welcomed measures in today’s Autumn Statement announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. “My constituents are all looking for help with their household budgets and this statement contained a lot of good news from the Chancellor. “For example, many of my constituents receive the State Pension and will be delighted that this is rising by 2.5 percent to £110.25. This is the “triple-lock” where pensions rise by the highest of earnings, inflation or 2.5 percent each year. “One of the biggest household bills is the mortgage. By keeping the confidence of international markets and therefore keeping interest rates low the Chancellor has saved £33 billion on government debt and kept mortgage rates low. “Another major bill is council tax, and this has been frozen for a third year in a row. “My constituents rely heavily on their cars, so it is wonderful news for them that fuel prices are 13 pence a litre lower than under the previous government’s plans and duty is frozen for years to come. “Tax-free allowances have also been increased again, putting a further £47 a year in the pockets of basis rate taxpayers, on top of £220 already announced. “There is also some good news for our county’s fast-evolving science community and I am sure our tech sector will join me in welcoming measures to invest in £600 million in science research. “Overall I think the George Osborne has been able to deliver a statement which will offer confidence and optimism to households and businesses alike.”