Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Budget has been praised by North Swindon MP Will Stone.
He said: "The first Labour Budget in 14 years offered the people of Swindon North and the entire country something we’ve been sorely missing – hope.
"Where the Conservatives offered nothing but short termism and decline, the Labour Party are offering a fairer economy and investment in our collective future.
"A fairer economy that puts working people first, raising the minimum wage to £12.21 an hour, with the largest increase for young adults aged 18-21, raising their wage to £10 an hour as a first step on our pledge that all adults should be paid the same minimum wage.
"A fairer economy that compensates victims of horrific scandals like the Blood and Post Office scandals and one that supports the most vulnerable households with a renewed Household Support Fund. A fairer economy that respects those who care for their loved ones by providing the largest uplift in carers allowance since it’s creation from £151 to £196 per week.
"But more than boosting the minimum wage and protecting the most vulnerable, this budget was about investing in the future, fixing the cracks, and crumbling buildings left by the Conservatives with £22bn announced for the NHS and £3bn specifically focussed on capital investment to invest in more scanners, beds and tangible support.
"£6.7bn to rebuild our schools, so no child must learn in a temporary classroom and £1bn for SEN education to ensure the most vulnerable children have the same opportunities and support as anyone else. A total increase of £14.7bn in capital investment spending to spur private finance into action and fix the foundations of our economy.
"Most importantly this was a Budget about respect for the British people, paid for by responsible tax rises and common-sense re-evaluation of government investment, taking into account not just the costs but the benefits of investment too.
"A Budget that upheld the Labour Parties Manifesto promises, not a penny on Income Tax, no increases to VAT and no rises to employee National Insurance contributions.
"Whilst we must fix the foundations of our economy, we also need to repair trust in politics – I believe this budget is a good start to achieving both of those aims and I look forward to supporting the Labour government as it delivers for the British people."
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