Chancellor's plans: Oldhamers need "help today, not in two years time"

Local MPs have criticised the Chancellor's Spring Statement

Oldham's MPs have reacted angrily to Rishi Sunak's Spring Statement yesterday, which included measures to tackle the cost of living crisis in the UK.

Among the plans announced yesterday the Chancellor increased the threshold at which National Insurance now needs to be paid, a fuel duty cut of 5p per litre, and a doubling of the household support fund to help struggling families.

A cut in income tax to 19% from 20% was also announced, however this will not be introduced until 2024.

Responding to the plans, Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “The Chancellor could have put a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas producers to provide real help to families, set out a plan to support businesses and create good jobs, or scrapped his national insurance hike, but he chose not to.

"In April people’s energy bills will be rising by 54%, followed by the Chancellor’s latest tax hike which will hit working people and their employers. It’s noteworthy that he’s the only G7 finance minister to raise taxes on working people during this crucial year of recovery.

“Frankly, the Chancellor hasn’t got a clue. He’s raising taxes again and again, only to offer a tax bribe, but not until 2024, the next general election. This is a cynical Chancellor who is asking struggling families to pay for the Tory election campaign.

“The British people will see through it."

Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, and Shadow Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs was equally critical, saying people in Oldham need help "today, not in two years' time".

"The Chancellor seems to be unaware of the scale of the challenge that so many families and businesses in Chadderton, Oldham and Royton face in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis. The Office for Budget Responsibility has confirmed that we face the biggest hit to households’ income since records began in the 1950’s.”
 
"And so the decision to continue to raise taxes and national insurance to the highest level in 70 years, only to offer crumbs before a general election is unbelievably cynical and people will see through it."
 
"People across Oldham need real support today, not in two years’ time, they need to know that the government is on their side when they face rising food, fuel and utility bills and the Chancellor has failed today. Not following Labour’s plan for a windfall tax on huge oil and gas companies and supporting those who need it most with up to £600 off their energy bills."

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