Hull MP backs Budget for jobs and fairness

Hull North MP Diana Johnson has welcomed today's Budget as delivering real help now to get people back into work, while supporting businesses and homeowners through the global recession.

The Budget also supports investment in the growth industries of the future on which Britain's success and Hull's regeneration will be built.

Speaking shortly after the Chancellor delivered the 2009 Budget, Diana Johnson MP said: "We know that if we don't act now, it will cost us all more in the long run. I welcome today's Budget with its focus on jobs now and jobs in the future.

"I also welcome the further action on greater efficiency in Government spending, promoting social justice and ensuring that the wealthiest bear their fair share of tax.

"Building on the support already coming through from an income tax and VAT cut - the measures in the Budget will help us deal with the economic difficulties and support jobs, families, savers, businesses and the environment. There is also more real help for carers and to fight fuel, pensioner and child poverty.

"With the problems we have seen in Hull's caravan industry, I am also pleased with the specific help on trade credit insurance.

"Now is the time to invest in the recovery not talk Britain down."

The Budget announced:

Support for employment

including for Jobcentre Plus and the Flexible New Deal, and the offer a guaranteed job, training or work placement for all 18-24 year olds who reach 12 months unemployed;

Support for individuals

including through an increase in the annual investment limit for Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) to £10,200, up to £5,100 of which can be saved in cash;

an additional payment alongside the Winter Fuel Payment worth £100 for households with someone aged over 80 and £50 for households with someone aged over 60 which will support 13,400 people in Hull North and around 45,000 people across Hull;

Pension Credit: increasing the capital disregard on the level of savings that are not taken into account when calculating entitlement, from November 2009, from £6,000 to £10,000. The Pension Credit helps 5,000 people in Hull North and 17,000 people across Hull.

Support for homeowners and homebuyers

including with a £600 million funding package of measures to build more homes, and an extension of the stamp duty holiday for all houses costing up to £175,000 until the end of the year;

Support for the environment

including setting the world's first carbon budgets and measures to encourage energy efficiency and low-carbon growth.