THE Chancellor’s Autumn Budget is an important day in Westminster and for the country, but it may not make it on to family calendars in South East Cornwall.

The Budget is where the Chancellor sets out the Government’s economic policies for the year, and it has a big impact on all our lives, from energy bills to the weekly food shop.

Going into Parliament to watch the Chancellor set out his plans , I wanted to see changes that invest in our communities and put more money in people’s pockets at the end of the month whilst tackling the big challenges of our time. From defence to climate change, I know there is always much more to do, but this Labour Budget provides some breathing room for ordinary working people and hope for the future.

The Budget was serious about ensuring that our economy is stable, especially following COVID impacts, global instability, and after the havoc that Liz Truss’ Tory ‘mini budget’ caused a few years back, from which we are still recovering. Ahead of the Budget, many people across our area contacted me to have their say. I listened carefully to them and took action to discuss our priorities with Ministers.

The Budget delivers some breathing space with a £100 energy payment going directly into people’s bank accounts. What’s more, this is on top of the roughly £50 saved by scrapping VAT on electricity bills. I recognise the tough choices that families in South East Cornwall are facing and I’ll keep pushing the government to keeptaking steps to help where pressures are tightest.

Our hospitality sector is a cornerstone of our economy in South East Cornwall - and it is something that we are rightly really proud of. Tourists come year after year to get a taste of our great produce and quality products. However, businesses need extra support. I’ve held a roundtable with local publicans and a brewery to discuss what they need, and I have raised these issues in Parliament. So, it’s fantastic to see steps being taken to help key sectors like hospitality through business rates relief for small companies. Independent businesses are a key part of our local economy, and I know that these measures will be welcome.

Our Cornish identity and heritage are also being protected by ensuring more money and power for Cornwall. Cornish MPs have been working hard to make sure that our area is recognised as unique and we are now in the final stages of a devolution deal. The Budget announced extra funding for Cornwall, which is on top of the Kernow Industrial Growth Fund that was announced in last year’s Budget.

So, this year the Budget is supporting families and businesses, as well as protecting the Cornish identity. The choices are tough at the minute, but this Chancellor has heard what your priorities are and has implemented policies to address these. I will continue the fight to ensure that what you need is front and centre of national decision making.