Clwyd West MP, David Jones, has welcomed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget, hailing it as a “Budget for growth and for families.”
Among the measures announced were:
- A £25 billion three-year tax cut for business investment;
- Extending the Energy Price Guarantee at £2,500 for three months;
- A freeze on fuel duty for another year – the thirteenth freeze since the Conservatives came to power; and
- Ending the premium paid by over four million households using prepayment electricity meters.
David Jones said:
“Families across North Wales will welcome the additional support the Chancellor has given them at a difficult time. Continuing the fuel duty freeze will make life easier for the many North Walians who rely on their cars to get around. The continuation of the Energy Price Guarantee will also be appreciated by local householders.
“There are also some exciting opportunities for the North Wales economy. The £20 billion fund for carbon capture and storage will bring direct benefit to North Wales. And the competition to build small modular reactors should be pursued enthusiastically in the region, where there is a long tradition of nuclear expertise.
“The Welsh Government (WG) must also play its part in ensuring North Wales sees the full benefit of the Budget. The WG has received Barnett consequentials for England-only measures, including the funding of 30 hours of childcare a week for working parents of children aged 9 months to 4 years. They must ensure that identical benefits apply to Welsh parents.
“Equally, the WG must work with the Westminster Government to ensure that at least one Investment Zone is created in North Wales.
“In summary, this is a good Budget for North Wales, which will be widely welcomed.”
