West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised a ground-breaking plan announced by the Chancellor to help to stimulate the economy recovering from the effects of the global pandemic.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak today announced a series of measures to help bring jobs back from furlough, help companies to kick start new jobs for young people and invest in skills to help people to develop their careers.

And he also slashed VAT for hospitality businesses for the rest of the year and introduced a voucher scheme to allow diners a £10 discount each person next month to encourage more people to support local eateries.

House buyers will benefit from the cancellation of stamp duty for houses up to £500,000 helping nine out of ten people trying to get on or moving up the property ladder.

Harriett commented: “This global pandemic has had a terrible cost and the Government moved swiftly to introduce a range of schemes to protect jobs and livelihoods.

“These support packages have been really helpful, but they cannot last forever and as we move into a new stage of recovery, the Chancellor has created a range of important measures to help business to get back on its feet.

“I encourage local employers to look carefully at the schemes to make sure that they are able to access the right support to help save jobs and create more new opportunities, particularly for young people.

“And I am sure many West Worcestershire people will welcome the cuts in VAT and the voucher scheme which will make a staycation or meal out especially attractive for the rest of the year.”