As the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield, I am committed to ensuring that the government's economic policies reflect the needs and priorities of our community. In light of the recent Autumn Statement, I want to take this opportunity to outline the key measures that will impact the people of Sedgefield.
Support for Households
The Autumn Statement included a package of measures to help households cope with the rising cost of living. These measures include:
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Increase to the National Living Wage: The National Living Wage will increase by 9.3% from April 2024, providing a much-needed boost to the incomes of low-paid workers in Sedgefield.
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Energy Price Cap: The government will introduce an energy price cap to protect households from further energy price increases. This cap will be in place for two years, providing much-needed stability and reassurance for families in Sedgefield.
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Council Tax Rebate: The government will provide a £150 council tax rebate to households in council tax bands A to D. This rebate will provide direct financial support to many residents in Sedgefield.
Support for Businesses
The Autumn Statement also included a number of measures to support businesses in Sedgefield. These measures include:
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Business Rates Relief: The government will provide business rates relief to businesses in the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors. This relief will help to offset the impact of rising costs on these important local businesses.
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Skills and Training: The government will invest in skills and training to help businesses in Sedgefield access the skilled workers they need. This investment will help to boost productivity and create new jobs in our community.
Investment in Public Services
The Autumn Statement also included a number of measures to invest in public services in Sedgefield. These measures include:
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Investment in Education: The government will invest in education to help schools in Sedgefield provide high-quality education for all children. This investment will help to raise standards and improve opportunities for young people in our community.
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Investment in the NHS: The government will invest in the NHS to improve patient care and reduce waiting times. This investment will help to ensure that people in Sedgefield have access to the high-quality healthcare they deserve.
I believe that the measures announced in the Autumn Statement will provide much-needed support to households, businesses, and public services in Sedgefield. I will continue to work with the government to ensure that these measures are implemented effectively and that the people of Sedgefield feel the full benefit of this support.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the Autumn Statement.