Business rate cuts, extra funding for NHS mental health services, and a tax on big technology companies have all been welcomed by Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers following the Budget.
Theresa said a number of measures in the Budget would directly help her constituents, including an increase in the threshold where people start to pay tax from £11,850 to £12,500 in April - a year earlier than planned. Higher rate earners will see their threshold rise from £46,350 to £50,000.
She also welcomed increasing the National Living Wage by 4.9% - from £7.83 to £8.21 an hour - from April next year, giving millions of people a pay boost.
“Many of the announcements by the Chancellor relate to issues that my constituents are concerned about and the Budget strikes a sensible balance between encouraging business, taxing big companies who make millions, and helping hard working families and the vulnerable,” she said.
“There are extra millions to help local councils repair potholes and provide care for the frail elderly. The substantial cut in business rates for small businesses and a new fund to help local high streets are also important. I had lobbied the Chancellor for these measures.
“The new mental health crisis service with better mental health support available in major A&E departments, plus extra help for children and young people with mental health problems is also welcome.
“There has been considerable public concern about big international technology companies making huge profits but paying very little tax in the UK. This is something I urged the Chancellor to look at and I’m pleased he is taking action.
“These companies should be paying more. The 2% digital services tax on UK revenues from April 2020 should raise around £400 million and ensure these companies start paying more of their fair share.”
“Many constituents have been in touch about universal credit. The Chancellor has listened, and announced substantial additional funding to help people moving on to the new benefit.”