After 14 years of Tory decline, Labour’s Budget will fix the foundations and deliver change in our public services, and tackle the cost of living. I am pleased that the Chancellor’s Budget will invest in schools, special educational needs provision and the NHS, ensure fair pay for workers and ultimately deliver economic growth. The Government is investing to create economic growth and stability. Labour has rejected austerity, giving us a future we can look forward to. 

As part of the Government’s 10-year plan to reform NHS, the Chancellor’s allocation of billions more in funding for the NHS is welcome. The Government’s action to cut appointment waiting lists will be a relief to everyone in Battersea. The investments in childcare and breakfast clubs are welcome. Too many parents in Battersea have had to give up work because adequate childcare isn’t available. Additionally, the Government’s announcement of funding to tackle potholes is very welcome. 

In Battersea, the lack of affordable homes causes real hardship. I am pleased that the Budget will help create more affordable homes, including new social and affordable homes, and that funding has been allocated for home adaptions for disabled people. Local authorities will be able to keep the full receipts from council home sales, so they can reinvest in social homes. I will continue to call on the Government to raise the default minimum accessibility requirement so disabled people also get to live in decent homes. 

This Budget honours Labour’s commitment to stand up for working people by increasing the National Living Wage for over 3 million workers. This includes raises for 18-20-year-olds. At the same time, income tax thresholds will rise after 2028/29. I support this approach to protecting workers and nurturing young people’s futures.  

I welcome the changes announced to address poverty, including changes to universal credit and the increase in the earnings limit on the Carer’s Allowance to the equivalent of 16 hours at the National Living Wage. I am deeply concerned by the announcement of changes to social security support for disabled people. Cuts are likely to hit lower-income households the hardest. Already, almost half of people with a complex disability on benefits are already in debt. While the announcement of funding for work, health and skills support for disabled and sick people is welcome, it will need to come within a broader Disability Employment Strategy, if it is to support disabled people access and stay in work. This has to include action to ensure employers have accessible recruitment practices and make appropriate workplace adjustments for everyone who needs them.  

I support the Government’s decision to abolish the unfair non-domicile tax scheme. At the same time, the Government has set out important support for startups and small businesses, so they can flourish. 

Following the announcement of the 2024 Autumn Budget, Marsha commented: 

“The announcement of this Labour Government’s 2024 Autumn Budget marks a historic day both in its delivery by Britain’s first female Chancellor and as a firm rejection of Tory austerity that has damaged this country for far too long. 

“The Budget’s emphasis on investment in our public services and ensuring a fair pay for workers will bring much needed relief for many who have been struggling to cover the basics of everyday life and to access underfunded and unsupported public services. Only through investing can we truly grow our economy for the benefit of everyone. 

“However, I am deeply concerned by news of potential cuts to social security support for disabled people, which would hit those on the lowest incomes the hardest. I will continue to monitor these developments and the impact on my constituents. 

“The 2024 Autumn Budget is a vital step towards fixing the foundations of the economy, raising living standards and implementing real change across the country.”