Stephen Metcalfe MP welcomes Budget for the next generation

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, welcomed the Conservative government's recent Budget.

The Budget includes measures to help younger generations, by introducing a new Lifetime ISA for under-40s, improving schools with fairer funding, and putting a new sugar levy on the soft drinks industry to help tackle childhood obesity.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I was pleased to see that younger generations will benefit most from this Budget.

"It is important to encourage a saving culture among young people and the Lifetime ISA will help towards that all-important first home and saving for retirement.

"The introduction of a fair National Funding Formula for schools will help ensure that 90 per cent of schools benefit from much-needed funds by 2020, including our local schools which I am always keen to see supported.

"This commitment to fairer funding for schools is also a commitment to improving life chances for local children, making sure that they can compete in an ever more competitive world."

He added: "The sugar tax is a bold and important move towards tackling childhood obesity.

"It was good to hear that this new levy on the soft drinks industry will help reduce the sugar content of their products and that the money raised from it will be used to double sports funding in primary schools, encouraging healthier lifestyle habits from an early age."

He finished: "Taken as a whole, the Budget demonstrates that Conservatives are putting the next generation first and ensuring that Britain is fit for the future."

Stephen Metcalfe MP opens new site for dBD Communications

Stephen Metcalfe, Member of Parliament for South Basildon & East Thurrock, opened local business dBD Communications' third site in Basildon.

dBD Communications is a fast-growing company, specialising in Audio Communications with RF and Microwave solutions.

dBD works with large organisations such as Network Rail by developing safety communications systems, and has experienced continued growth since it was created in 2002, now employing over 40 people locally.

Mr Metcalfe said: "It was great to be invited to share in the continued success of dBD Communications and to help open their new facility.

"Businesses like dBD are the backbone of our local and national economy, and are driving us forward by creating jobs and apprenticeships."

He added: "It is crucial for government to provide a stable environment for business growth and investment, and I was pleased to see tax reduction measures in the recent Budget that will make a difference to local companies like dBD."