This week’s Budget was a major test of this Government’s ability to deliver stability, fairness and long-term prosperity. After years of economic chaos and stagnation, families, public services, small businesses and farmers across the South Cotswolds needed more than warm words and promises. We needed a credible plan for sustainable economic recovery. Sadly we didn’t get it.
Here's what the Lib Dems would have done:
First, a fair deal for local families.
Too many households are being squeezed by soaring rents and mortgages, along with punishing energy and food bills. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper has set out practical proposals to make a real difference. These include a major programme to cut energy bills by insulating homes, faster investment in renewables that work for local communities, and reforming the broken energy market. These measures would provide lasting relief for households, not just short-term sticking plasters.
Second, real support for small businesses and our high streets.
Local hospitality businesses are facing unbearable pressure from rising costs, compounded by increases in Employers’ National Insurance and the financial strain on residents. I backed Daisy’s call for a 5 percent reduction on the VAT rate for hospitality, to give pubs, cafés, restaurants and hotels the breathing space they need. Coupled with long overdue reform of outdated and excessive business rates, this would help protect jobs and breathe new life into our towns and villages.
Third, a fairer tax system that asks those with the broadest shoulders to contribute more.
Efficient public services need proper investment. To deliver it, the Liberal Democrats propose closing tax loopholes exploited by big tech companies, introducing a meaningful levy on the gambling industry, and ensuring big banks contribute more through a strengthened bank surcharge. Those who benefit most from our national infrastructure should help fund it by contributing to the NHS, schools and local services that keep the country going.
Fourth, a fair deal for rural communities.
The Government must recognise the extra challenges and higher costs faced by rural residents and businesses, especially here in the chronically underfunded South West. A good start would be abandoning its threat to the future of family farms and committing to fair, stable long-term support for the rural economy.
Finally, this was not only a decisive week for Britain, but also for Ukraine. As we assess the Budget, we must not lose sight of the grave threat posed by Putin’s illegal war. Britain must stand firmly with our European allies and reject Donald Trump’s reckless so called “peace plan”, which would force Ukraine’s capitulation, reward appalling aggression and undermine Western unity. Our commitment to Ukraine is a test of our values, our security and our resolve. It is a test we cannot afford to fail.
My Reactions:
Before: www.facebook.com/share/r/1DaNwnLeC6/
After: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1TYWe4TJSz/
Credit Photo by Sarah Agnew on Unsplash.
A few of the things I've done this week...
✅ Meeting with Stroud District Council to talk about local government reorganisation, the local plan, bus services in Kingswood and fair funding for local government
✅ Met farmers who had come to Westminster on Budget Day to protest about the family farm tax
✅Went with our new Tetbury Town Councillor, Adam Thilthorpe, to help break ground at the site of the new Tetbury Surgery and surrounding Stonewood development, and to tour the Zero Carbon houses built by Newland Homes on London Road
✅ Welcomed my Lib Dem colleague from Witney, Charlie Maynard MP, to speak at our local party AGM
✅Visited residents affected by flooding in Cirencester
✅ Asked a question of the Secretary of State about the UK’s over-reliance on unproven technologies in attempting to meet Net Zero targets, when nature can be our greatest ally
✅ Further meetings about the threatened temporary closure of the day surgical unit at Cirencester Hospital
✅ Dropped in at a coffee morning at the Priory Inn in Tetbury to chat with local residents
✅ Watched Rachel Reeves’ budget in the House of Commons – great disappointment that there wasn’t really anything in there for residents of the South Cotswolds (unless you stand to benefit from the two child benefit cap) – and overall very uninspiring
And a reminder that you can check out sources of funding for local projects on our Stronger South Cotswolds website!
MP’s Casework Update:
Thanks to the Tetbury resident who raised concerns about accessibility around the town, including pavements lifted by tree roots, dropped kerbs, and occasional obstructions on the pavement. After a walkabout with Gloucestershire Highways, officers have promised to address the issues raised.
We recently helped a local family whose child could not access an autism assessment because they lived in one county, went to school in another, and had a GP elsewhere. After repeated enquiries, the NHS confirmed the referral will now go ahead and agreed to change local processes so children in similar situations are not excluded. I will keep working with the NHS and local authorities to make sure cross-border arrangements never block families from getting essential support.
We were able to escalate a resident’s housing need to Silver status - a positive step and should give them higher priority for suitable housing.
If you have a case you need to bring to our attention, please email me at roz.savage.mp@parliament.uk.
Links to a few recent articles by Roz:
Tough on Farage, tough on the causes of Farage in Lib Dem Voice
The Regeneration Gap in Liberator
Flooding Resilience Petition
I know how deeply flooding has affected residents across the South Cotswolds and have been actively working on the ground to address the issue. Alongside this, I have been working behind the scenes with local authorities and agencies to drive forward action and hold those responsible to account, and making sure this remains a priority in Parliament.
Show your support for the campaign by signing our petition today…
Quote of the Week
Balancing the budget is like going to heaven. Everybody wants to do it, but nobody wants to do what you have to do to get there.”
-- Phil Gramm
Have a great week!!
Roz Savage MP
