This Budget builds on our determination to save lives and livelihoods during the pandemic.
No peacetime Government has ever provided this much support to get us through a national emergency. While the Chancellor has rightly said he wants to balance the books, I’m pleased he will continue to do whatever it takes to get us through these dark days.
As the success of our vaccine rollout continues, we can renew our focus on getting businesses back on their feet, people back to work, and confidence back in our economy again.
Extending furlough and new grants for the self-employed will continue a lifeline that has already helped millions. And we’re determined to support and create well paid jobs of the future with an increase in the national living wage and doubling the financial incentive for apprenticeships.
I know the extension of business rates relief is going to be welcomed by our shops and local businesses. And continuing a lower rate of VAT for the hospitality sector and a freeze on beer duty will give a boost to our pubs when they are finally able to reopen.
A new infrastructure bank for green investment and a Thames Free Port will unlock investment in sectors that will help us grow our way out of the pandemic. I’m ready to help businesses in Faversham and Mid Kent benefit from these schemes.
I know these continue to be tough times for so many people. This Budget gives further hope that better days are on the way.
