Local reps respond to budget

Yesterday's budget announcement by the UK Labour Government has sparked mixed reactions from elected representatives in Montgomeryshire, leaving residents and visitors in Newtown divided over the implications of the decision.

"This Budget shows that the government is firmly on the side of working people," stated our local Labour MP Steve Witherden. He highlighted key aspects of the budget such as frozen fuel duty, lower tax rates for small businesses, and increased investment in public services.

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Mr Witherden emphasized that income tax, National Insurance, and VAT would remain unchanged, ensuring that working individuals are not burdened with higher taxes. He also noted the rise in the National Minimum Wage and the National Living Wage, along with additional funding for public services to improve healthcare, education, and transportation.

Regarding the government's approach, Mr Witherden expressed, "Today we saw a government that understands the need to invest in the future. We will not choose the path of irresponsibility – Labour will restore stability, protect working people, fix the NHS, and rebuild Britain."

However, Conservative Member of the Senedd, Russell George expressed disappointment with the budget's implications for Montgomeryshire. Mr George criticized the National Insurance rise and the introduction of a new tax on family farms by the Labour Government.

Mr George stated, "We already knew the new UK Labour Government plan on keeping many pensioners cold this winter, and the National Insurance rise will be an incredibly destructive jobs tax for Wales. The new tax on the family farm does not encourage or support our farmers to produce Welsh food, risking the end of the family farm."

We will aim to bring you more analysis of the new Budget in the coming days and weeks ahead.