Claire Young MP responds to the Budget

Local Liberal Democrat MP Claire Young has said the extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget must deliver improved health services for local people, including through extra GP and NHS dentist appointments.

The Thornbury & Yate MP has said they will “hold the government’s feet to the fire” on delivering on their promises on the NHS. They added that fixing social care will be crucial to take pressure off local health services and give older people the care they need.

Responding to the Budget, Claire Young MP said:

“I’m glad the Chancellor has finally listened to the Liberal Democrats on the need for urgent action to invest in our hard-pressed NHS and health services. I will be holding the government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made – particularly on dentistry.

“Sadly, the new government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care. We urgently need cross-party talks to tackle this crisis so older people stranded in hospital beds can finally get the care and dignity they deserve.

“They are also pushing ahead with cuts to the winter fuel allowance which will badly impact some of the most vulnerable pensioners in our area. This is a bitter blow for the local pensioners, some who will be left choosing between heating and eating this winter.

“The bedrock of the budget was an increase to Employer’s National Insurance, which will hit our small businesses and high streets. The government should instead be reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking the social media giants to pay a bit more instead.

“Hiking the bus fare cap to £3 will also have a big impact. This is an increase of 50%, which is simply the wrong choice at a time when local buses are already being stripped back and many have lost their local route. We need to invest in our buses, not hiking fares.

“The announcement of additional funding for SEND services is welcome but doesn’t go far enough to meet the scale of the challenge. We need to fix SEND, both by investing in frontline provision and overhauling the system so it works better.

“Many farmers will also be concerned by the changes to Agricultural Property Relief, which is a new family farm tax. This is something the National Farmers Union has warned will be damaging and I will be challenging the Government to think again.

“I will continue working to make the voices of local people heard and to deliver the change our communities need.”