West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed today’s budget which delivers on promises made to the country during the General Election campaign last year.

And today’s Budget statement, made by new Chancellor Rishi Sunak, delivers on a series of requests from local people including measures freezing alcohol and fuel duties and further action on business rates.

Harriett commented: “The economy is delicately balanced, with the risk of corona virus affecting the longer-term financial position but the Chancellor has wisely acted to deliver on many of the promises we made on the door-step during the election campaign.

“Worcestershire drivers will welcome the continuation of fuel duty freezes which leave drivers £1200 better off since 2010.

“Small business owners will welcome the further help on business rates – including a suspension of business rates for the owners of shops and cafes and a £5000 rates discount for pubs.

“The chancellor confirmed the extra £1.2 billion to be spent on flood defences and a raft of investment in infrastructure projects including the A46 and A417 Air Balloon roundabout schemes.

“This was a Budget about delivering on our promises and I look forward to seeing more detail on the announcements in the coming days and weeks.”