Today, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her second Budget of the Parliament. This is a Budget rooted firmly in Labour values and focused on delivering security and prosperity for working people. From tackling child poverty to cutting energy bills, this is a Budget that speaks directly to the needs of families here in Welwyn Hatfield.

For the first time in years, the economic picture is improving. Growth forecasts have been upgraded, wages are rising faster than they did in an entire decade under the Conservatives, and the Government is making responsible, fair choices – rejecting austerity while keeping borrowing under control.

Our MP, Andrew Lewin, has welcomed a Budget that brings real, tangible benefits to people across our communities and listed the key measures on his social media channels. The Budget is:

Cutting the Cost of Living

• £150 cut to the average household energy bill from April.

• Winter Fuel Allowance restored and the Warm Homes Payment extended, supporting around 10,000 Welwyn Hatfield households this year.

A Fairer Deal for Families

• Scrapping the Two-Child Limit, ensuring eligible families with more than two children receive an additional £17.25 per week.
  A modest sum for some, but the difference between hardship and stability for many. More than 2,000 children in Welwyn Hatfield will be lifted out of poverty thanks to this change.

Protecting Local Services

• Prescription charges frozen.

• Bus Fare Cap maintained, keeping local transport affordable.

Raising Wages

• Minimum Wage for 18–20-year-olds rising from £10 to £10.85 per hour.

• Living Wage (21+) rising from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour.

Supporting Pensioners

• State Pension rising by 4.8%, worth £440–£575 more per year.

A Fairer Tax System

• Tax rises on online gambling, adjustments to capital gains, and higher contributions from some private landlords.

• There is no change to basic income tax rates. Tax thresholds were frozen for years under the Conservatives, and due to the difficult economic inheritance, they remain frozen for now.

Economic Stability Restored

The Chancellor has met her fiscal rules and increased the Government’s headroom. It may sound technical, but it means the financial markets are stable, a complete contrast to the chaos of the Truss mini-budget that sent mortgages spiralling.

There are some vital measures announced for our community in today’s Budget, and we are proud that a Labour Government has delivered them.

If you have any questions about how today’s Budget might affect you, Andrew’s office is open to answer your questions on andrew.lewin.mp@parliament.uk