Martin Salter MP today gave a guarded welcome to Alistair Darling’s Budget which aims to deliver real help now to get people quickly back into work, and support businesses and homeowners facing problems.

Mr Salter recognised the importance of Britain seeking to grow its way out of the most severe global recession since the Second World War. He was pleased that the Budget is supporting investment in the growth industries of the future on which Britain’s success depends.

Speaking from Westminster Martin Salter MP said:-

“This was the most difficult Budget any British Chancellor has had to deliver since World War II, given the depth and scale of the global economic recession. I am pleased that Alistair Darling is not taking a heavy handed approach to slashing back on public expenditure as it is vital that real help is on hand for those people who have lost their jobs and need retraining and young people who are finding it difficult to get into the employment market. I am particularly pleased with the extra help for families facing repossession of their homes, for savers who can now put more in their ISAs, for pensioners who will benefit from the top rate of Winter Fuel Allowance, and for homeowners who can continue to benefit from the stamp duty holiday.”

He added:-

“Alistair Darling had very little room for manoeuvre yet he has produced a Budget which will help take Britain out of recession and hopefully move us into modest growth next year. It is right and proper that those earning over £150,000 per year are to be asked to make a greater contribution towards the nation’s expenditure - afterall, they can afford it and many of my constituents will be happy to earn this amount of money over five years nevermind twelve months!”