Local members welcome Chancellor’s statement.
The three MPs representing Milton Keynes have welcomed yesterday’s Autumn Statement.
Chris Curtis (Milton Keynes North), Emily Darlington (Milton Keynes Central) and Callum Anderson (Buckingham and Bletchley) say Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget – the first ever to be delivered by a female Chancellor and the first of the new Labour Government – was good news for the city.
Seeking to ‘fix the foundations’ of the economy and with a focus on investment and growth, Labour’s Budget included many key announcements that the MPs say will benefit MK.
Among them, they say, are funding to deliver an extra two million NHS operations, scans and appointments a year nationally, bringing down waiting lists, £1 billion to help those facing financial hardship via the Household Support Fund, and an extra £500 million to fix roads and fill potholes.
Other announcements included a freeze on fuel duty, money for extra police and PCSOs, and an increase to the National Living Wage.
The Chancellor also announced that East West Rail would go ahead faster than previously planned, increasing connectivity for Milton Keynes residents and boosting the local economy.
Chris Curtis MP said: “From a cheaper pint at their local to a better education for their child, and more money in the pocket of small business owners, this is a budget that benefits people living in Milton Keynes North and is a stark contrast to years of decline with the Conservatives.”
Callum Anderson MP commented: “Our Chancellor today demonstrated responsible leadership in the national interest. I share her belief that Britain can burn brighter than ever. This Labour budget prioritises growing an economy that will create wealth and opportunity for all. And I was particularly pleased to see the Chancellor’s commitment to delivering East West Rail.”
Emily Darlington MP added: “Milton Keynes needed this budget. The first Labour budget in 14 years and the first ever delivered by a female Chancellor of the Exchequer puts Milton Keynes at the heart of a plan for investment in our citizens and investment in our city.”
Meanwhile, Sally Alexander, CEO and Principal of Milton Keynes College Group welcomed the Chancellor’s statement.
“It’s very rare for Chancellors to even mention Further Education in the Budget, so her announcement of an extra £300 million for the sector is obviously very welcome indeed, as is the recognition of the importance to the economy of what we do,” said Sally Alexander.
“We don’t know yet how the increased funding for the SEN (special educational needs) budget will be spread across education, but this is also an important contribution to ensuring Fairer Futures for All, the mantra of our college group.
“From a local perspective, the continued commitment to the East-West rail linking Milton Keynes and Oxford as early as next year, and then further to Cambridge in the future, will be transformative for the local economy.”
