The British people vote Conservative to guarantee low taxes, fiscal responsibility, and freedom for all, I am sincerely hoping these tenets will be at the heart of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday. They are values I hold dear, and I know that the vast majority of the British public feel the same way. I understand that the Chancellor has insisted economic growth is his priority at the Autumn Budget and this is music to my ears, of course, the announcement on Wednesday will see if the proof is in the pudding and if he has delivered on this pledge.
My hope for the Chancellor’s Statement on Wednesday is quite simply, that he is Conservative. I wholeheartedly believe that the best people to know how to spend their money, are the people that earn it, not the government and I would hope for a budget that reflects this view. Low taxes, responsible spending and the financial freedom of constituents is in my mind vital for the recovery of our country.
I have joined other Conservative MPs in signing a joint letter to request to the Chancellor that the 75% business rates relief for leisure, hospitality, and retail, which are set to end in April, are extended. I am passionate about supporting our independent shops, community pubs and hospitality and I believe wholeheartedly that this relief has a hugely positive impact on these sectors. These measures have been proven to be a lifeline for many small shops, restaurants, community pubs and others, which are the lifeblood of our local economy. We are all aware that retail, leisure, and hospitality businesses have faced difficult times, including high energy bills, rising wage costs and difficulty recruiting. I worry that if this discount is not extended, this could have a huge and irreversible impact, on the viability of the local businesses which we all love and rely on. I hope the Chancellor does the right thing and that this is a Conservative statement for the benefit of our country.
