Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the strong and sensible
Autumn Statement delivered today by the Chancellor, George Osborne.
In his annual statement to
the House of Commons the Chancellor outlined the Government’s long term
economic strategy for the coming years and reflected on progress that has
already been made.
The local MP rose to the
floor of the chamber to congratulate the Chancellor on his steadfast committed
to keep Britain moving, stressing the Government’s moral responsibility to
ensure that future generations are not burdened with the debt created by the
previous Labour Government.
Mr Metcalfe commented:
“The Autumn statement contained fantastic news for people in South Basildon and
East Thurrock – the jobs tax on all young people under 21 abolished, real help
for the high street, energy bills down, fuel duty frozen, and rail fare
increases frozen.”
“For every South Basildon and East Thurrock motorist, petrol will now be
20p less than it would have been under the previous Government’s plans,
saving us £11 every time we fill up our cars and £680 every year.”
“This is all welcome but
we must not get complacent. As the Chancellor said the job is not done and we
must keep the momentum going to keep Britain moving.”
The local MP, who has long been a champion of business in
the local area, particularly welcomed the package of help for the high street
and support for businesses. 44,000 business properties in Essex will benefit
from:
- £1,000 off business rate bills for all retail premises with a rateable value up to £50,000 for 2014/15 and 2015/16. This includes shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
- A 2% cap on everyone’s business rate increases.
- A new reoccupation relief, which will halve the rates bills of businesses taking over premises empty for over a year.
- The doubling of Small Business Rate Relief is being extended to April 2015 and expanded.
Mr Metcalfe added: "I wanted the Government to listen to
calls from local businesses and they have.”
“High street businesses are an important part of local
life. We are backing local businesses all the way. With Small Business Saturday
this weekend Conservatives are giving businesses in South Basildon and East
Thurrock the help they need to grow and create jobs.”
