"The bitterly cold weather that has hit Essex reminds us that winter has definitely arrived and while we can soon look forward to celebrating Christmas with family and friends, the impact from the Budget is going to be felt through the winter into 2025 and for years to come.
November is when pensioners across Basildon and Billericay should be receiving their Winter Fuel payments. Sadly, due to the political choice made by Labour, hundreds of pensioners will not receive the payment this year and will have to choose between heating and eating.
Last week saw farmers across the county and the UK descend on Westminster to protest Labour’s Family Farm Tax plans. Under the proposals, and despite promises made in the past to protect farmers, more than 100,000 farms will be hit by new inheritance tax laws.
This is not only devastating for family farms, but this will also pose a serious risk to our domestic food security and could lead to higher food prices.
I was pleased to join Conservative MPs standing in support of our farming community. In the House of Commons, I recently raised concerns from workers at the New Holland tractor plant and I’m receiving correspondence from others who are really worried about the impact this policy will have.
And farms aren’t the only businesses being hammered. In another broken manifesto commitment, Labour have imposed a £25bn National Insurance Jobs Tax that is already deterring businesses locally from recruiting. It will push up prices and sadly will more than likely lead to some businesses here closing.
Last Wednesday we had the terrible news that Ford will be cutting 800 UK jobs. I’m very concerned for staff at Dunton and I’m seeking an urgent meeting with the Director after raising the matter with the Department for Transport.
These changes in the Budget are damaging our economy and harming our community. Let’s hope the Government will reconsider the damage its doing and change course before it’s too late."
