South Lakes councillor James Airey has welcomed new measures announced in the Budget, including more money for health and social care.
The Budget set out the Government’s plans to deliver extra money for schools, make more money available to local councils to tackle potholes, and new funding to help rejuvenate high streets.
The Chancellor also confirmed significant additional funding for the NHS, with a £20.5 billion package of investment, a new mental health crisis service and extra money for social care.
Councillor James Airey, Cumbria County Council’s Conservative group leader, said: “I am delighted that the Chancellor has confirmed significant extra funding for the NHS, and announced extra money for schools and road repairs.
“It was also encouraging to see extra support for our high streets and help for small shops. The cut in business rates will mean an annual saving of up to £8,000 for up to 90 per cent of all independent shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
“Additional steps to create up to 650,000 new homes, and an extension of the stamp-duty relief scheme for first-time buyers will also help more young people to get on the housing ladder.
“Measures to help people in South Lakeland keep more of their own money will ease pressure on family budgets, by cutting income tax through raising the personal allowance, and freezing fuel duty for the ninth year in a row.
“These are important steps, which can only be afforded thanks to careful management of the country’s finances.”