This week the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond MP, delivered his budget to the House of Commons. Within it there were a number of great measures that will have a real positive effect on Southend.
Two measures in particular have been announced that will have a real positive outcome for our high street. In the Budget the Chancellor announced that business rates for small businesses will be cut by a third. This will make it more viable for small independent businesses to set up their store along our High Street. He also announced that £675 million will be invested in the high streets around the country. This investment into our high street alongside the work being done by the Southend BID, Southend Council and Essex Police to tackle anti-social behaviour along our high street will make a real positive difference to our high street, making it one that we can all be proud to work and shop in.
However, it is not just our high street that will benefit from this budget. The chancellor announced more money to fix potholes, more money for our schools and a tax to tackle single use plastics that end up in our oceans. Investing in the future of the country. I am also pleased that the Chancellor has announced an extra £20.5 Billion for our National Health Service ensuring that we can deliver world class health care in Southend and everywhere in the country. Alongside this we saw the tax personal allowance raised to £12,500 and the higher rate raised to £50,000 a year earlier than expected. Ensuring that not only are we investing in our public services but also ensuring that you get to keep more of your hard earned money. All round this was a great budget that many of us will benefit from either directly or indirectly.
As always, should you have any questions or concerns that I may be of assistance with as your local Member of Parliament please do not hesitate to contact me either by email at [email protected] or by calling my constituency office on 01702 616135.