High Peak MP reacts to Chancellor's Budget

High Peak MP Robert Largan says he's backing the Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Budget, which set out the country's plan for economic recovery as it emerges from the coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Sunak set out a three-part plan in the House of Commons on Wednesday (3 March) to "protect the jobs and livelihoods of the British people". 

He said: "First, we will continue doing whatever it takes to support the British people and businesses through this moment of crisis. 

"Second, once we are on the way to recovery, we will need to begin fixing the public finances – and I want to be honest today about our plans to do that. 

"And, third, in today's budget, we begin the work of building our future economy."

Mr Sunak extended furlough until the end of September and unveiled plans to increase corporation tax for large companies from 2023 as part of a raft of announcements. 

MP Largan says he feels the Budget "strikes the right balance" and is pleased that the High Peak has been identified as "one of the top priority areas" for funding from both the government's Levelling Up Fund and the UK Community Renewal Fund.

The borough's MP commented: “This Budget strikes the right balance, focused on protecting jobs by supporting people through the current crisis; while beginning to fix the public finances with a fair and honest plan; and looking to build a better future economy for the whole country, including places like the High Peak.

“I'm really pleased that the Government have taken on several of the proposals I have been pushing as part of my role on the Levelling Up Taskforce, with a big focus on helping businesses to expand and create new jobs.

"And I'm absolutely delighted that the High Peak has been identified as one of the top priority areas for the Levelling Up Fund and that we'll receive funding to help develop a bid. This is a big opportunity to deliver badly needed investment in our local infrastructure!”

Main image:

MP Robert Largan outside 11 Downing Street. Picture taken before the coronavirus pandemic. 

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