'Missed opportunities and more stealth taxes' - Horsham MP John Milne's response to Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Budget

The Chancellor outlined her Budget on Wednesday (November 26) in Parliament.

But Horsham’s Liberal Democrat MP said the Budget meant more ‘stealth taxes’ for workers and ‘missed opportunities’ to help people struggling.

Mr Milne said: “It’s Budget number two for Chancellor Rachel Reeves, but there’s still nothing there to support her key objective - a credible plan for growth.

“But let’s start with the positives. Lifting the two-child benefit cap and increasing remote gaming duty are long-overdue steps that Liberal Democrats have championed for years. They will help lift children out of poverty and reduce gambling harms.

“However, there have been some real missed opportunities to help millions of people and businesses struggling with the cost of living.

“Freezing income tax thresholds means more stealth taxes at a time when wages are not keeping up with bills, which I know will be painful for many. The National Insurance Contribution (NICs) rise from last year also still remains in place, extending the huge pressure on our small businesses, hospices and charities.

“Hospitality and high street businesses are still battling high costs, yet our calls to support them with an emergency VAT cut have been ignored. There has also been no meaningful action to support farmers or tackle the NHS crisis.

“Liberal Democrats have put forward a clear plan that would save households money, including removing the main green levy from electricity bills, introducing a windfall tax on big banks, and securing a new trade deal with the EU that would help bring £90 billion back into our economy.

“This Budget offered a chance to restore stability and give people hope that things can get better. Instead, this feels more like we’re just treading water.

“It’s a Budget that kicks the big issues further on down the road. I will continue to press for a better approach for Horsham, one that tackles the cost of living, drives economic growth, and invests properly in our public services.”