Political opinion: West Sussex Labour Leader welcomes Budget offering breathing space for families and fresh hope for the future

Families across West Sussex are set to benefit from help with energy bills, frozen fuel duty and measures to support high-street businesses, following the Labour Government's latest Budget.

Councillor Martin McCabe, Leader of the Labour Group on West Sussex County Council, has welcomed the Budget announced by Chancellor John Healey, describing its combination of immediate household support and longer-term investment as an important response to the financial pressures facing residents and businesses.

The Budget includes a £100 Household Energy Payment for eligible households in Council Tax bands A–D in England, alongside £100 million for local authorities to support households facing the greatest financial hardship.

The temporary 0% VAT rate on electricity will also be extended until 30 June 2027, while Ofgem will work towards abolishing gas standing charges.

Motorists will benefit from the extension of the 5p fuel duty cut, with fuel duty rates frozen until 1 July 2027. More generous mileage rates for employees and self-employed people using their own vehicles for work will also become permanent.

Councillor McCabe, who represents Worthing West on the County Council, said: "Families across West Sussex are continuing to face real pressure on their household budgets, and energy bills remain a significant concern for many residents.

"The £100 Household Energy Payment, alongside further measures to reduce electricity costs, will provide welcome breathing space for eligible households.

"Here in West Sussex, where many people rely on their cars for work, school runs and everyday journeys, extending the fuel duty freeze is also important.

"These measures are about helping people with the costs they're facing today, while beginning to make the longer-term changes our economy needs."

Support for West Sussex high streets and businesses

The Budget also includes a £1 billion business rates package, intended to remove around 70,000 additional retail, hospitality and leisure businesses from business rates altogether.

Under the proposals, more than half of businesses in these sectors will pay no business rates.

Councillor McCabe said: "Our town centres and high streets are at the heart of communities across West Sussex, from Worthing and Crawley to Horsham, Chichester and Bognor Regis.

"Independent shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and hospitality businesses provide local jobs and help make our towns places where people want to spend time.

"Business rates are a significant cost for many of these businesses, so the additional relief announced in the Budget will be important for those who qualify.

"I want to see our high streets thriving, with successful local businesses and good employment opportunities for residents."

Investing in housing and economic growth

Alongside the immediate measures, the Budget sets out longer-term investment intended to support business growth, housing and infrastructure.

More than £20 billion of additional capital will be provided for the National Wealth Fund and British Business Bank, alongside £1.85 billion for growing businesses and a new Founders' Relief to support entrepreneurs and early investors.

Local leaders will also be given greater influence over economic development through £285 million of Good Growth Funds.

On housing, the Government has announced £4.7 billion for its Your First Home programme, expected to support around 70,000 first-time buyers nationally.

A further £1.5 billion will be provided for social and affordable housing, intended to deliver an additional 10,000 homes.

Councillor McCabe said: "Housing affordability is a major issue across West Sussex, particularly for younger people and families who want to put down roots in the communities where they grew up.

"Too many people are finding that home ownership is moving further out of reach, while the shortage of genuinely affordable housing places additional pressure on households and public services.

"Investment in first-time buyers and additional social and affordable housing is therefore welcome.

"But it's equally important that new housing is supported by the infrastructure communities need, including schools, healthcare, transport and other essential services."

Giving local communities greater control

Councillor McCabe also welcomed the Budget's emphasis on giving local leaders greater influence over economic investment.

He said: "West Sussex has enormous economic potential, with successful businesses, skilled workers and strong communities.

"But decisions about investment and economic development need to reflect the needs of local areas.

"Greater local involvement in how growth funding is allocated could help ensure that investment responds to the priorities of our communities, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

"I'll be looking closely at what these announcements mean for West Sussex and how our councils can work with Government and local partners to secure the greatest possible benefit for residents."

Breathing space today, investment for tomorrow

The Budget also includes £700 million to strengthen Britain's artificial intelligence capabilities and nearly £300 billion for defence over four years.

The Government says its spending and investment commitments will be underpinned by fiscal discipline.

Councillor McCabe concluded: "People want to see action on the issues that affect their everyday lives: the cost of energy, the price of getting to work, the future of their local high street and whether their children will be able to afford a home.

"This Budget addresses those concerns through immediate financial support and longer-term investment.

"I'll continue making the case for investment in our communities and ensuring that the needs of West Sussex residents are heard.

"Ultimately, what matters is whether these measures make a real difference to people's lives, and I'll be working to ensure West Sussex benefits from the opportunities announced today."