My Budget reflections
A week on, it feels like the Budget was a real turning point - not just for the country, but for our communities in Buckingham, Bletchley, Tattenhoe, Winslow, and the surrounding villages. It’s set to make life a little easier for families, support local businesses, and invest in the services we all rely on.
For so many households across our area, the cost of living remains the number one concern. It’s something I hear every day from local people. That’s why I’m pleased to see measures that offer immediate relief: £150 off average energy bills, with even bigger savings for those who use more electricity. There’s also a £14.7bn Warm Homes Plan, offering grants and low-interest loans to fix draughty homes and install heat pumps and solar panels. Thousands of homes across the country have already been upgraded – and many more will be reached over the coming year.
On top of that, rail fares and prescription charges are being frozen (which has been particularly popular on the doorstep), which will make a real difference for commuters and families managing everyday costs. Regular commuters from Bletchley to London will save around £300 thanks to this decision - a stark contrast to the Tories, who oversaw the doubling of season ticket prices between the two stations. By cutting inflation by 0.4%, this Budget also makes it easier for banks to bring down mortgage rates.
Healthcare is another big focus. We all know how much pressure the NHS has been under, and this Budget responds by funding more NHS appointments to reduce waiting lists even further. This builds on previously announced investments: a new hospital for Milton Keynes, two new operating theatres at Milton Keynes University Hospital, and funding secured for the Lace Hill Health Centre in Buckingham. And it’s not just health: we’re maintaining the highest levels of public investment in four decades, so our schools, transport, and local services get the support they need.
Our high streets (the heart of our communities) are getting a boost too. This Budget permanently lowers tax rates for 750,000 retail and hospitality properties across the UK, giving our fantastic local shops and cafés the breathing space they need to thrive. Entrepreneurs will also benefit from tax breaks to hire and grow right here in the UK, creating good jobs for local people and building on work to invigorate the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor. This is great news for the regeneration of Queensway and for all our high streets.
And then there’s fairness. Unlike the Conservatives, who want £47bn in cuts (equivalent to firing every police officer twice over) despite overseeing a ballooning welfare bill while in office, we’re making choices that protect public services and invest in people. We’re asking those in the most valuable homes to make an additional contribution, so a £10m Westminster mansion doesn’t pay less than a terraced house in Tattenhoe.
We’re also scrapping the two-child limit, lifting 450,000 children out of poverty, including over 2,500 right here in our constituency. It goes without saying that children don’t choose the financial situation they are born into, and lifting the cap is part of a holistic approach to tackling child poverty – which includes making school uniforms cheaper and giving more children free school meals.
Britain’s economy is outperforming expectations, with growth upgraded to 1.5% this year - up from 1%, and interest rates are coming down. Yes, we all want growth to be higher, but in the context of global uncertainty, being the fastest-growing economy in the G7 is something to build on, not take for granted.
To keep that momentum, we need to do two things:
First, double down on growth. We’ve already secured major trade deals with the US, EU, and India – but that’s just the start. We need to deepen those partnerships and forge new links with high-growth markets. At home, we’ve taken positive steps to support start-ups and scale-ups – but I want us to go further. I will be pushing the government to unlock the full potential of Britain’s industrial strategy, accelerate AI adoption, and make sure innovation translates into jobs and prosperity – across the constituency, the Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor, and the country.
Second, tackle the welfare challenge. We’ve made progress through investing in youth hubs and employment support, but we must ensure that the Timms and Milburn Reviews (on PIP and youth unemployment respectively) lead to tangible policy changes. We know welfare spending is set to rise sharply by 2030, and Labour has a responsibility to reform the system so it protects the most vulnerable while helping people into work and giving them purpose. Again, I will be pushing hard to make sure we combine compassion with ambition.
Overall, this Budget focuses on renewal – of our economy, our communities, and our shared future. It means lower bills, better healthcare, stronger high streets, and fairer opportunities for every family. Together, we’re building a Britain that works for all of us.
