West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today backed the Chancellor’s budget saying it was a budget for private sector growth. The MP was responding to proposals outlined in the budget to stimulate growth across the country. Harriett commented: “Over the course of the last year we have been discovering the sheer depth of the task of fixing our economy, faced with the largest budget deficit in the G20 and interest costs of £120 million a day on the nation's credit card. “The private sector is essential to stimulate growth and there are many tax cuts in the Budget which will encourage business. “I am pleased to see measures which will help the small research and development companies in Malvern and elsewhere to grow and thrive. “Shopkeepers and smaller businesses will also benefit from the extension of holidays from business rates which will be great news for all of our towns and villages in Worcestershire. “The Cotswold line is already being redoubled and we heard today that the Swindon to Kemble line will be too. “Enterprise Zones will start in the Black Country and Birmingham and Solihull and I will be working with the Local Enterprise Partnership to see if we can be a future Enterprise Zone. “There are is also good news for drivers with the introduciton of a fair fuel stabiliser and I am also pleased to see the measures to assist volunteer drivers with the increasing of mileage rates to 45 pence, as I have campaigned on that for years. "Charities will also benefit from simpler Gift Aid rules and a cut in inheritance tax to 36% for anyone who leaves 10% of their estate to charity. “There is also good news for employees who will see a little extra in their pockets, especially those on lower incomes. I hope that people feel a little more positive after this budget."