Leicestershire MP hits out at 'broken promises' in government's budget
The Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth has claimed Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered "broken promises" in yesterday's (Wednesday, October 30) budget speech. Dr Luke Evans believed it was clear Labour had "deceived the public" in promising not to raise taxes.
Dr Evans, the area's MP since 2019, hit out at the Chancellor's budget, suggesting her and Labour's ideas had gone against manifesto pledges in the general election. He said: "Raising National Insurance on employers is, in the Chancellor’s own words, a jobs tax. For all the talk of growth, even the OBR [Office for Budget Responsibility, an independent body that monitors and analyses the UK's public finances] have downrated its growth forecast from March 2024 by 0.7 per cent, to 1.1 per cent.
“While I welcome the announcement of £1bn for Special Educational Needs and the freezing of fuel duty, both of which I have campaigned for, it can’t be said enough how simply changing the rules to borrow £50bn extra is a dereliction of duty and another demonstrable broken promise by the now Chancellor."
READ MORE: 'Worrying and disappointing' - Leicestershire bus users have their say on new £3 cap
On Wednesday, Labour delivered its first budget in 14 years and announced a wide range of new economic policies. The Chancellor said the aim of the Budget was to bring in more change and put "more pounds in people's pockets". Ms Reeves also highlighted the need to raise funds to plug a public "black hole" in finances worth £22bn.
Dr Evans said many in the Hinckley and Bosworth area were worried for their future in the aftermath of the budget. He said: “People in our community know that the money you borrow has to be paid back, this will come at a cost to jobs, growth and inflation. After all, there is no such thing as Government money just taxpayers heard earned cash. Here, our farmers, our cafes and pubs and even our holidays have all seen tax increases. Without any clear plan for growth, I’m really worried about what the next year holds for people across our area.
“Going forward, I’ll be campaigning for the Government to re-commit to funding Leicester’s two new hospitals – a decision on which has been put off until next year – as well as exploring how we can secure new capital funding for local schools which the Labour Government has just announced.”
Not all Leicestershire MPs are opposed to the budget though as Labour’s Liz Kendall, who is the MP for Leicester West as well as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, welcomed the announcements. She said: "We promised change, and that is what we will deliver. From investing in the NHS to increase appointments and cut waiting lists, to recruiting more teachers and rebuilding our schools, this first Labour budget in 15 years puts us on a path to fixing the foundations of the economy".
We are now bringing you the latest updates on WhatsApp first