Adam Dance MP responds to the Budget

“This Budget was a real disappointment. After weeks of uncertainty, the Chancellor delivered a plan that does very little for families, farmers or small businesses in Somerset. In fact, Somerset wasn’t mentioned once, which shows how far this Government is from understanding rural communities like ours.

"Farmers have been left with no support and no movement on inheritance tax. Our hospitality businesses, already struggling, have again been ignored. The Liberal Democrats have called for a temporary lower VAT rate to help pubs, cafes and restaurants survive, but the Government has chosen not to act.

"This Budget also leaves people facing the highest tax burden in decades. Ten million people will be pushed into higher tax bands, while the Government plans to spend nearly two billion pounds on digital ID instead of tackling GP waiting times or supporting social care. They have even opened the door to cutting a tax on the biggest tech companies, which could cost billions.

"The Chancellor has diagnosed the problem but refuses to take the steps needed to fix it. The Government still won’t face up to the economic damage caused by our broken relationship with Europe, which is holding back growth and pushing up prices.

"People in Somerset needed a Budget that backed farmers, supported our high streets and helped with the cost of living. Instead, we got more tax, more uncertainty and very little for rural areas. Somerset deserves better.”