Yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer updated MP’s on the financial situation of the Country and set out his spending plans for the years ahead.
With so many areas protected from spending cuts it naturally means greater cuts for unprotected areas. However, thanks to lower interest rates and a better economic forecast from the independent Office of Budget responsibility the Chancellor was able to make some changes which I believe will be widely welcomed.
The headlines have been grabbed by the decision not to change the rules on tax credits. The Government will still be saving the planned £12 billion from welfare changes. In the longer term tax credits will eventually be phased out as more people move on to the much simpler Universal Credit.
Crucially, the plan put forward by the NHS for the next five years will be paid for in full and the first £6 billion next year. In addition to confirming the Government will continue to spend2% of our national income on defence the Chancellor announced there will be no cuts to the police budget with spending on the police protected in line with inflation.
Last night I spoke at an event in Westminster organised by Conservatives for Liberty on the continuing threat to individual freedoms.
David Nuttall 