Commenting on the Budget, Richard Holden MP said:
“It is great to see the Chancellor delivering a budget for growth and executing the plan which will get us through these turbulent times. Of the suite of impressive measures announced, there were three big wins that I was particularly pleased with.
“Firstly, the increase of potholes fund from £500m to £700m annually is a huge step in the right direction. As Roads Minister, this is something that I know will have a big impact on our day-to-day lives.
“Secondly, the cut to draught beer duty is a huge result. This is something I have campaigned on extensively, having won Parliamentarian of the year for the APPG for Beer. The pandemic and rising prices caused by Putin’s war have hit this sector particularly hard. I am delighted to see the Chancellor back me on this issue with his support going to our beloved pubs, clubs and breweries.
“Thirdly, the multibillion-pound expansion of free childcare provision will make a big difference. Childcare is often prohibitively expensive for working households and so becomes a drag on productivity. Having 30 hours a week of free childcare for working households will be worth up to £6,500 a year. With these phased changes going directly to the pockets of working families, I want to see this implemented as soon as possible.
“We are not out of the woods of global economic headwinds yet, and I understand there are still profound challenges facing the nation. However, I look forward to enjoying the overwhelmingly positive impact this budget will have across the nation but particularly on our towns and villages in North West Durham.”
