West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today praised a budget which will see more investment on health and social care services, increased spending on defence and schools, and more cash in the pockets of hard-working people. Chancellor Philip Hammond set out measures at today’s budget to deliver a solid economic recovery meaning that austerity is coming to an end. Harriett commented: “It was good to see the Chancellor confirming the extra £20.5 billion for the NHS – a real terms growth rate of 3.4 per cent a year as well as important measures to help our air ambulances and improve mental health care at Accident and Emergency departments. “Hard working local people will see more cash in their pockets thanks to the further increase in personal tax allowances to £12,500 and raising the National Living Wage by nearly five per cent to £8.21. “Local motorists will be happy that the fuel duty has been frozen for the ninth year and the county council will be able to benefit from a national £420 million fund to fill potholes this winter. “Several local micro brewers have contacted me in recent weeks regarding alcohol duties and I hope people will welcome the fact that both beer and cider duties have again been frozen. “The Chancellor has also spoken up for our hard pressed high streets by cutting business rates by a third for two years and introducing a tax on large digital firms on their UK revenues.”