Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement brings benefits for North Wales communities, as well as supporting the most vulnerable, says Clwyd West MP, David Jones.
Speaking at Westminster after the Statement, David Jones said:
“The Government is delivering on its commitment to protect the most vulnerable by protecting the Triple Lock for pensioners and uprating benefits in line with inflation.
“I know from my constituency postbag that the prospect of seeing those payments eroded by inflation was a big worry to many of my less well-off constituents.
“In addition, there will be energy support payments of £900 for recipients of means-tested benefits, £300 for pensioners and £150 for disabled people.
“The Energy Price Guarantee will be extended until April 2024, with a price cap increase from April 2023, meaning a typical household’s energy bills will be capped at £3,000.
“The National Living Wage will be increased to £10.42 per hour – a big boost for low-paid workers.
“Increases in spending on education and health in England mean more money for the Welsh Government – £1.2 billion over two years. Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford must make sure that North Wales gets its fair share of that money.
“I am also very pleased that the Chancellor has confirmed that Round Two of the Levelling Up Fund will continue. Two excellent bids have been made by Denbighshire and Conwy for Clwyd West. I very much hope they will be successful.”
