Zöe Franklin MP Reacts to Chancellor's Spring Statement
Chancellor's Spring Statement leaves Guildford constituency MP Zöe Franklin "fearful" for vulnerable people and local businesses.
“Today was the opportunity for the Chancellor to make a positive change to Guildford's future. She did not deliver.”
Zöe Franklin MP said: “We are all going to see our household bills go up in the next few days.
“We’ll be paying more for our gas and electricity, as well as our water bills, and increases in car tax and stamp duty will also take effect in the new Tax Year on 6th April.”
Ms Franklin continued: “Today’s statement confirms that disability welfare payments will be cut when people who need them can least afford it.
“They are a lifeline to so many people. The letters I see every day are heartbreaking. PIP payments help with the extra costs of managing a health condition and enable people to maintain as much dignity and independence as possible. PIP can pay the costs of getting to work. One constituent told me without it, the journey would be impossible. The constituent wants to work and wants to contribute to their community. Taking away this sense of pride and achievement is devastating.”
The Spring Statement made no change to the planned increase in Employers’ National Insurance due from 6th April.
Zöe Franklin said: “The local businesses which have weathered fourteen years of the Conservatives’ economic vandalism, on top of the burden the pandemic brought, wanted to see the Chancellor review the increase in employers’ national insurance payments, due from 6th April.
“This extra cost will place a huge extra burden on business, which are already under immense pressure.
“The Liberal Democrats believe the big banks, social media and gambling companies should pay their fair share. Instead, local employers, the hospitality sector and of course our GP surgeries, care homes and hospices, will be facing increased costs.
“The Spring Statement was a chance to bring positive change to people and businesses across the Guildford constituency. I am deeply disappointed, and I fear for the impact this will have on people who need the support of welfare, on businesses, jobs and our communities.”