News from Southampton Labour

Pre-Budget Report help for pensioners and local businesses welcomed

Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, today welcomed the help for pensioners and local businesses announced today in the Pre-Budget Report.

The government announced a 2.5% increase in the basic state pension, an extension to the increase in Winter Fuel Payments to help pensioners with their heating bills during winter, as well as a raft of measures to boost the local economy.

Dr Whitehead said:

“The above-inflation increase in the basic state pension is well-deserved and welcome help for pensioners in Southampton. I am also pleased that the government has agreed to keep Winter Fuel Payments at the increased level for another winter. That increase is worth £50 for each pensioner household, and £100 for over 80s.”

Dr Whitehead also welcomed the help for small businesses in Southampton and the south-east.

“The tax rate freeze for small businesses, the ongoing action to encourage lending by banks, and help with deferring tax bills, can and will make a real difference to cities like Southampton. Local businesses have already benefited substantially from the tax deferral scheme and I am encouraged that the scheme has been extended.

As a long-term campaigner on carbon reduction and fuel poverty Dr Whitehead especially welcomed the many green initiatives contained in the PBR:

“I am extremely pleased to see that the Government will not allow the fight to reduce the UK’s carbon output to take a back seat despite difficult economic circumstances. They realise as I do that saving carbon also means saving money and is especially relevant for the most vulnerable in our society.”

Other news from Southampton Labour

• Water bills hiked as Southampton Council and Southern Water waste public money - 2 February 2012
• Southampton Labour MPs urge constituents to claim free heating and insulation help - 1 February 2012
• Welfare changes hit poorest areas in Southampton hardest - 1 February 2012