Political opinion: Horsham MP calls Budget “a missed opportunity” to ease pressure on local residents
The Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne, has said the Autumn Budget is a “missed opportunity” to provide meaningful relief for families and businesses in Horsham struggling with the cost of living.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her second Autumn Budget since the General Election last year. The Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, John Milne has given his response to the measures stating that the government has missed a “crucial opportunity” and is “treading water”.
The Horsham MP has welcomed the government’s action to lift the two-child benefit cap and the increase in remote gaming duty, both of which are long-standing Liberal Democrat policies. However, he has criticised the Budget for failing to address many of the pressures facing local residents.
One of the most significant changes has been the freezing of income tax thresholds, which many argue will mean more stealth taxes hitting families at a time when wages are not keeping up with bills. The National Insurance rise from last year also remains in place, continuing to squeeze small businesses, hospices and charities.
The Liberal Democrats have been calling for an alternative plan that includes removing the main green levy from electricity bills, an emergency VAT cut to 15% for hospitality businesses, and a windfall tax on big banks. The party is also calling for a new UK-EU trade deal that would help bring back £19 billion back into the economy.
John Milne, Liberal Democrat MP for Horsham, said: “Lifting the two-child benefit cap and increasing remote gaming duty are welcome and long-overdue steps that Liberal Democrats have campaigned for. However, there has been a missed chance in this Budget to help ease pressure on families and businesses in Horsham and across the country. Instead, this feels more like we’re treading water.”
“A continued freeze on tax thresholds, I know, will feel painful for many, and workers and businesses will continue to be impacted by a lack of action to support our hospitality sector. I feel there is a real lack of ambition to properly tackle the growth we need.”
“The plan that the Liberal Democrats have put forward has that ambition and an immediate plan to ease pressure for people. People are rightly frustrated with facing rising costs and being squeezed every month. I’m going to continue to call for a fairer approach for Horsham that genuinely tackles the cost of living, supports our local economy, and invests properly in the public services we all rely on.”