The budget was tough but fair, protecting lowest paid workers and families.  Nearly a million people will be lifted out of the tax system altogether and the lowest paid families are protected with an additional £150 per child in tax credits. It was an unavoidable budget given how much Labour had maxed out the National Credit Card.

It is also worth remembering why these measures had to take place.  Labour had overspent and wasted billions of pounds.  The action taken sets the country on course to reduce the debt significantly over the course of this parliament.  Until the structural deficit is reduced this country will constantly be hobbled by the debt.

The long term cut in Corporation Tax will stimulate the private sector, creating jobs and wealth.  This will lift people out of poverty and make work pay.

All in all, it’s a fair budget that tackles the structural problems with the economy, while protecting many lower income families in Blackpool and Cleveleys, supporting the  tourism industry by scrapping Labour’s furnished holiday lettings tax, establishing a regional growth fund for transport projects but also redressing Labour’s out of control spending and borrowing spree.