Suffolk takes stock after Rachel Reeves' first budget

Much of the budget had been announced already - the decision not to increase income tax, VAT or employees' National Insurance contributions and the rise in the minimum wage was already known.

But one surprise was the decision to retain the freeze on fuel duty and keep the discount that had been announced by the previous Conservative government. 

That relieved motorists, preventing an estimated 7p a litre rise on petrol and diesel.

Political reaction was split on party lines. 

Ipswich MP Jack Abbott (Image: Roger Harris/ House of Commons)

Ipswich Labour MP Jack Abbott said: “The Chancellor today has shown that this is a government ready to fix the foundations of our economy and our public services to restore stability and support working people.

“The decisions announced today by the Chancellor to boost investment and rebuild our public services will ensure our country is fairer, more prosperous, and geared towards growth.

“I particularly welcome the extra £25 billion for the NHS, in addition to billions more for education too. Our public services need both reform and investment, and today’s Budget delivers on that.

“An additional £1 billion for special educational needs provision is really critical too. Whilst it cannot solve the crisis overnight, it marks crucial progress on an issue I have campaigned on locally for over many years."

Patrick Spencer (Image: Roger Harris/ House of Commons)

Central Suffolk and North Ipswich Conservative MP Patrick Spencer was not as impressed by the budget.

He said:  “In the lead up to this year’s General Election, the Chancellor and Prime Minister both promised they would not raise taxes. That is exactly what they have done in this budget with £40 billion in new taxes.

“I heard nothing about investing in Ely and Haughley junctions, nothing on an alternative to overhead Pylons, nothing on support for flood defences, and nothing to support the farming budget.

“Most disappointing was the decision to continue with the removal of the winter fuel payment for our vulnerable pensioners. Almost 20,000 in Central Suffolk and North Ipswich will be negatively impacted."

Waveney Valley MP Adrian Ramsay (Image: House of Commons)

Waveney Valley MP and Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay watched the budget from home because he has been suffering from a virus.

He said: "This was a Budget which gives with one hand and takes away with the other.

"The funding for SEND services and for school and hospital buildings – including West Suffolk hospital – will be welcomed by my constituents in Waveney Valley.

"But much of this funding is for short-term or one-off items rather than the sustained support over the years ahead that our overstretched services need.

"The budget also did nothing to address the biggest challenges facing us – climate breakdown and nature degradation."

Before the budget Suffolk County Council warned the government not to expect local authorities to put up council tax bills.

After the speech deputy leader Richard Smith said:  “The huge burden placed on us and the business sector with a rise in Employers’ National Insurance contributions will place additional strain on our budget next year and may prove to be a wider tax on new job creation.

“The announcement of some additional investment in roads and SEND provision is welcome and is recognition of the lobbying efforts by us and the County Councils Network." 

And West Suffolk Council Labour leader Cliff Waterman said: "Good news for us here in West Suffolk where the car remains a vital means of travel was the freeze on fuel duty.

"The £5bn investment in housing is also welcome and West Suffolk Council will be looking to benefit as one of our main priorities is affordable, available and decent housing.

"Overall it’s an excellent budget for growth - sustainable growth is another of West Suffolk Council’s strategic priorities, so that’s very welcome."