Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell has thanked the Chancellor for cutting Universal Credit (UC) taper relief in a move that will significantly help thousands of lower income families across the town.
Caroline has worked with constituents on UC and local organisations, Eastbourne Foodbank and Citizens Advice Bureau, to make the case and spoken to Rishi Sunak on several occasions to push for the cut following the ending of the £20 UC uplift earlier this month.
“I am really pleased the Chancellor has made this announcement and I thank him for listening to me and others. It will make a big difference to people on Universal Credit in our town especially as the cost of living is rising,” said Caroline.
“This is also a big incentive for people to be in work and with job vacancies in the economy both locally and nationally at good levels, I believe it is the right way forward.
“Eastbourne has suffered from the pandemic because it is reliant on tourism and again I am pleased the Government has recognized this. The 50% cut for one year in business rates for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors along with reform of the business rates system will make a difference. I also welcome the cutting of premium duty on sparkling wine. This is a boost for our East Sussex English Sparkling Wine producers.
"As well as important support for the Economy, alongside a raft of new funding for enhanced baby screening and family hubs, I am delighted that the school Holiday Food and Activity Programme is set to continue. This is a very key investment in children’s life experiences and was a great success in Eastbourne this summer thanks to the Art House, Defiant Sports, Buzz Active and others.
Caroline added: “I am pleased with this budget. It is attempting to get the country’s finances on a sound footing post-pandemic while also helping those who need it with a rise in the national living Wage to £9.50 and the end to the public sector pay freeze both good examples of that approach."
