Responding to the 2021 Budget, Luke Pollard, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said:
“This budget is full of glossy announcements that just papers over the cracks. Britain has one of the deepest recessions of any western economy and one of the highest death tolls and this budget fails to properly build back better. It also fails to lift funding for the south west. How many budgets do we need to sit through before Plymouth and the South West get our fair share?”
Commenting on the announcement of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, Luke said:
“The announcement Plymouth is to become a Freeport is a triumph for Plymouth’s Labour-run council. It will create more jobs in our marine sector and support jobs at Oceansgate in Devonport as the Freeport hub. Many people will try and claim credit for this win, but it is the city council that deserves praise as they did all the heavy lifting.”
Commenting on the Universal Credit uplift being extended:
“The Chancellor talks about extending the uplift to Universal Credit, when what he is really doing is delaying a cut. The fact that cutting Universal Credit now was even considered shows how callous and uncompassionate this government is. This uplift should stay in place until Universal Credit is replaced.”
Commenting on tax rises:
“The Chancellor hid a £2billion tax increase in the budget as he is increasing council tax by 5% for families across the country. Now is not the time for tax rises, so why is he forcing councils to hike council tax?”
Commenting on the lack of a pay rise for NHS staff, Luke said:
“It is shocking that there is nothing in the Budget about a pay rise for key workers. After the gloss of the Chancellor’s spin from today has rubbed off, key workers still won’t be getting paid what they should. Clapping does not pay the bills”.