Campaign Reply - The Autumn Statement 2023

Thank you for contacting me about the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.

In January 2023, the Prime Minister set out five priorities for government. Three were economic: to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt. Since then, inflation has halved, the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought, and debt is on track to fall.

Thanks to the stability this has brought, the Government is now able to focus on the long-term decisions required to strengthen our economy: reducing debt; cutting tax and rewarding hard work; building domestic, sustainable energy; backing British businesses; and delivering world-class education.

I welcome that Autumn Statement 2023 sets out the biggest package of tax cuts to be implemented at a fiscal event since the 1980s, while at the same time getting inflation falling and borrowing lower. The Chancellor will reduce taxes for 27 million working people from January by cutting the main rate of National Insurance contributions from 12 to 10 per cent. For the average worker earning £35,000 a year, this means a tax cut of £450. I also welcome that the Government will boost the National Living Wage (NLW) by 9.8  to record levels of £11.44 an hour. A full-time worker on the NLW will see their pay increase by over £1,800.

The Government is also continuing to support the most vulnerable. All working-age benefits will be increased in full by 6.7 per cent, boosting the incomes of 5.5 million households who receive Universal Credit by an average of £470 a year. The Government will also increase Local Housing Allowance rates, making 1.6 million families better off by an average of £800 in 2024-25. In line with the Triple Lock, pensions will be boosted by 8.5 per cent, ensuring dignity in older age for those who have worked their entire lives.

As announced at Autumn Statement 2023, the Government is cutting business taxes by £11 billion – the biggest business tax cut in modern British history – by permanently enabling businesses to offset investments against their tax bills. For every pound a business invests, its taxes are cut by up to 25p. Companies can now permanently claim 100 per cent capital allowances on qualifying main rate plant and machinery investments. This will generate £3 billion of additional investment each year and £14 billion over the next five years. 

The Government is also freezing the business rates multiplier for small businesses for a fourth consecutive year, saving an average shop £1,650. It is also extending the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure relief, meaning 230,000 properties will benefit from almost £2.4 billion in support, protecting small businesses in our high streets and town centres. 

I welcome the Chancellor’s announcement of a £110 million investment for local planning authorities affected by ‘nutrient neutrality’ rules, unlocking 40,000 new homes over five years. The Chancellor is also reforming our planning system to tackle the delays faced by businesses in building infrastructure, including by cutting consent times for nationally significant infrastructure projects to two and a half years as soon as possible.

The Chancellor has announced new investments in three Investment Zones and the creation of a new Zone in Wrexham, building on the 12 existing Investment Zones across the country. I welcome that the Government will also extend the programme of Investment Zones announced at Spring Budget 2023 from five years to ten years and introduce a new additional fund of £150 million that areas can access to help land investments. 

This Autumn Statement takes another step forward in tackling the long-term economic challenges facing the UK, allowing us to build a more dynamic economy that delivers prosperity across the country and the change it needs. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Campaign Reply - The Emergency Energy Tariff

I am aware of the impact that global energy price rises have had on consumers, and I welcome the action taken by the Government to support the most vulnerable. 

To support consumers, the Government is maintaining the Energy Price Guarantee (EPG) until April 2024. As you may know, the EPG limits the amount that consumers can be charged per unit of gas or electricity. Although energy prices are currently below the level at which EPG payments would be made, its continuation through winter will protect consumers from price spikes.

 

Alongside this, over 2023-24, the Government is providing targeted support to the most vulnerable through Cost of Living Payments, which will be paid to 8 million households on eligible means-tested-benefits, 6 million people on eligible disability benefits, and 8 million pensioner households. Additionally, to empower local authorities to provide discretionary support to those most in need, the Government has provided £1 billion of extra funding to the Household Support Fund, bringing the total of the Fund to £2.5 billion.

 

Moreover, as you may know, benefits and the state pension were increased by 10.1 per cent, in line with inflation, in April 2023. Indeed, in April 2024, all working-age benefits will be uprated in line with September 2023 Consumer Price Index Inflation – 6.7 per cent.

 

More broadly, to shield consumers from fluctuations in the global energy market, the Government is taking steps to safeguard Britain's energy supply and power up Britain. Alongside the measures I have outlined, the Government will bring forward legislation to reduce dependence on higher-emission imports from overseas, including from countries like Russia.

Campaign Reply - Do you support the Firefighter's Manifesto?

Let me start by saying that I greatly value the work firefighters do, often selflessly putting themselves in danger to keep us and our families safe. I know that the Government is grateful for the work fire and rescue services do in their communities. 

Regarding investment, I understand that fire and rescue authorities are receiving around £2.6 billion in 2023-24. Standalone fire and rescue authorities are seeing an increase in core spending power of 8.1 per cent in cash terms compared to 2022-23. On firefighters’ pay, the National Joint Council is responsible for overseeing decisions on pay and terms and conditions. However, I note that the Government’s Fire Reform White Paper set out proposals to conduct an independent review of the current pay negotiation process and consider its suitability for a modern emergency service. 

 

While I appreciate your concern, I do not believe it is necessary to introduce a statutory duty for firefighters to respond to flooding, given that fire and rescue authorities already have the power to respond to all kinds of emergencies for which they do not have a specific statutory duty, including flooding. The Government supports this by providing fire and rescue services with additional resources to tackle flooding such as high-volume pumps and water rescue assets. 

 

Some of the issues you raise, such as the firefighters’ pension scheme, are matters for individual employing fire and rescue authorities. It is also for individual fire and rescue authorities, as employers with responsibility for health and wellbeing, to ensure that firefighters receive the appropriate equipment and training they need to safely respond to the wide range of incidents which they attend. I completely agree with you about the importance of the health and safety of firefighters, and I am pleased that the Home Office provides significant grant funding to the National Fire Chiefs Council programmes including work that specifically focuses on the health and wellbeing of firefighters.

 

While I appreciate that this may not be the exact response you were hoping for, I do hope that I have been able to provide you with some assurance.

Newspaper Column 28th November 2023 - The Autumn Statement

Last week was another really busy one for me, capped off by an exciting visit to South Crofty Mine, which is on the verge of reopening and bringing tin mining back to our Duchy. Nationally the big headlines came from the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement. Much like the Budget, the Autumn Statement sets out the government's spending plans and departmental budgets.

In January 2023, the Prime Minister set out five priorities for government. Three of them were economic: to halve inflation, grow the economy, and reduce debt. Since then, inflation has halved; the economy has recovered more quickly from the pandemic than first thought, and debt is on track to fall.

 

Thanks to the stability this has brought, we are now able to focus on the long-term decisions required to strengthen our economy: reducing debt; cutting tax and rewarding hard work; building domestic, sustainable energy; backing British businesses; and delivering world-class education.

Last week’s Autumn Statement marks a major moment as we change gear and focus on how to drive growth in the decade ahead, with the biggest package of tax cuts implemented at a fiscal event since the 1980’s, while getting borrowing lower and inflation falling. These supply side tax cuts are what a Conservative approach to economic growth looks like.

This means combining the biggest tax cut on investment in modern British history with the largest ever cut to workers National Insurance – a £20billion package of annual tax cuts.

The Autumn Statement:

·           Cut taxes for 27 million working people from January by cutting the main rate of National Insurance Contributions from 12% to 10%. For the average worker earning £35,000 a year, that means a £450 tax cut.

·           Cut and simplified tax for 2 million of the self-employed, abolishing an entire class of NICs and cutting the rate of the NICs top rate from 9% to 8% - with an average total saving of around £350 for someone earning £28,000 a year.

·           Cut business taxes by £11 billion – the biggest business tax cut in modern British history by permanently enabling businesses to invest for less and offset investments against their tax bills.

·           Reduce debt, with the OBR forecasting we will meet our fiscal rule to have debt falling as a share of the economy a year early.

·           Cut business rates by freezing the small business multiplier yet again, saving an average shop £1,650, and extending the Retail Hospitality and Leisure Relief for a year.

·           Confirmed plans to boost the National Living Wage to record levels: £11.44 an hour. That is a 9.8% increase, benefiting 2.7 million workers.

·           Helped the most vulnerable with an average income boost of £800. 1.6 million of the families most struggling with the cost of living will have their Local Housing Allowance increased.

·           Boosted pensions, in line with our Triple Lock, by 8.5% - ensuring dignity in older age for those who have worked their entire lives. The basic State Pension will be £3,750 higher than in 2010.

·           Froze alcohol duty, alleviating pressure on the hospitality sector.

·           Increased all working age benefits in full by 6.7%, boosting benefit payments for around 5.5 million households who receive Universal Credit – by an average of £470 a year.

·           Provided support with the cost of living with further Cost of Living Payments this year, helping more than 8 million UK households on eligible means-tested-benefits, 8 million pensioner households and 6 million people across the UK on eligible disability benefits.

·           It will get people into work by reforming welfare and toughening up work requirements.

Following the Autumn Statement, the Office for Budget Responsibility stated that the package as a whole means inflation is forecast to be lower next year than they said at Spring Budget, more proof that our plan is working.

These actions are another step forward in tackling the long-term economic challenges facing the UK so we can build a more dynamic economy that delivers prosperity across our United Kingdom and delivers the change the county needs, and I will continue to do all I can to keep Truro and Falmouth at the heart of the Government’s agenda as we move forward.

As always, I am fully focused on the job at hand and if there is ever anything at all I can do to help, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please get in touch with me by email at Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk, or by telephone on 01872 229698. My regular constituency advice surgeries are held in a covid-safe environment at my office, so please do get in touch should you wish to meet me about any matters that I can be of assistance with.

Campaign reply - Ceasefire in Gaza

The events unfolding in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) are truly horrific. Israel has suffered the most horrendous terror attack in its history at the hands of Hamas, and Palestinian civilians in Gaza are experiencing a humanitarian disaster. My thoughts are with all those affected. 

The UK recognises the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and supports a lasting solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike. However, Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people or their aspirations; it offers nothing for them other than more terror and more bloodshed. I therefore support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, deter further incursions and strengthen its security for the long term.

However, the loss of every innocent life is a tragedy, and the UK Government has repeatedly stressed that Israel must take every precaution to minimise civilian casualties, in line with international humanitarian law. Ministers continue to press Israel to ensure that its campaign is targeted against Hamas leaders, militants and military infrastructure, and the UK Foreign Secretary has also called for discipline, professionalism and restraint from the Israeli military.

The rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza is deeply troubling, and I welcome the extensive efforts the Government is making to ensure that vital aid reaches the Palestinian people. Since 7 October, the UK has made available £30 million of additional aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, more than doubling our existing aid commitment for this year (£27 million). I have also been assured that the UK will consider further support depending on changing humanitarian needs on the ground.

Funding alone is not enough, and work is ongoing with international partners to increase the flow of aid into Gaza. While the opening of the Rafah border crossing is a major step forward, the UK has confirmed that it will continue to work with Egypt, Israel and other international partners to try and increase the flow of support. 

The agreement announced on 21 November between Israel and Hamas to release some of the hostages held in Gaza and to pause the fighting temporarily is a crucial step. This pause is an opportunity to ensure much greater volumes of aid can enter Gaza, and I welcome that the Foreign Secretary has urged all parties to ensure the agreement is delivered in full. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me and for raising your concerns about the ongoing situation between Israel and Gaza. I will continue to monitor the situation carefully.

Campaign reply - Together Association, '"Clean" Air, Dirty Money, Filthy Politics

The UK is committed to tackling both the negative effects of air pollution and ensuring motorists can go about their lives in a normal way. These two goals are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they are both achievable.

 

The UK Government has and will continue to provide extensive support for drivers. In October 2023, the Government announced a new plan to support people who drive, by keeping motoring costs under control and ensuring everyone has the freedom to drive as they need to.

 

The measures include updating guidance on 20mph speed limits in England to prevent their blanket use in areas where it’s not appropriate, and amending guidance on low traffic neighbourhoods to ensure local consent. As part of the review into low traffic neighbourhoods, the Government will consider measures for existing anti-driver policies that did not secure local consent.

 

Furthermore, in the Network North Plan, the Prime Minister announced record investment of £8.3 billion to fix the blight of potholes on roads up and down the country. This tangible improvement to the road network will positively impact motorists across the UK.

 

The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants' landmark 2010 report on the subject found that "in the UK, long-term exposure to man-made PM2.5 is responsible for 29,000 premature deaths per year." The 2022 UK Health and Security Agency report reiterated these figures, emphasizing the continued impact of air pollution and providing a range starting at 29,000. It is important to note that these figures are indeed 'statistical constructs' designed to help understand the scale of the problem. However, what they do stress is that there is a problem which the Government has taken significant steps to address.

 

The Air Quality Standards Regulations 2010 require the UK to undertake air quality assessment to assess legal compliance against air pollutant concentration limit and target values and report the findings and associated data on an annual basis. This assessment is done for all local authorities not just those establishing Clean Air Zones.

 

At a local level, the most immediate challenge on air quality is nitrogen dioxide concentrations around roads. The UK Plan for Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations sets out how compliance with existing legal targets can be achieved in the shortest possible time. Air pollution has reduced significantly since 2010. Emissions of nitrogen oxides have fallen by 45 per cent and fine particulate matter PM2.5 by 10 per cent.

Campaign reply - Assisted Dying

Coping with terminal illness is distressing and difficult both for the patient and their families. These cases are truly moving and evoke the highest degree of compassion and emotion. 

 

Assisting or encouraging suicide is a criminal offence under Section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 for which the maximum penalty is 14 years’ imprisonment. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) published guidelines primarily concerned with advising the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutors about the factors which they need to consider when deciding whether it is in the public interest to prosecute a person for assisting or encouraging another to commit suicide. 

 

The House of Commons has discussed the DPP’s guidelines which were unanimously commended as being a compassionate and measured way of dealing with one of the most emotionally charged crimes in the statute book. However, they do not change the law; assisting or encouraging suicide has not been decriminalised.

The DPP further clarified the CPS policy on the likelihood of prosecution of health care professionals, to specify that the relationship of care will be the important aspect and it will be necessary to consider whether the suspect may have been in a position to exert some influence on the victim.

I believe the application of the law should be flexible enough to distinguish the facts and the circumstances of one case from another. To this end, the DPP’s policy offers important and sensitive guidance.

I fully accept that suicide, assisting or encouraging suicide, assisted dying and euthanasia are all subjects on which it is entirely possible for people to hold widely different but defensible opinions. This is why the substance of the law in this area is not a matter of party politics but of conscience, and any vote would be a free one should the law in this area ever be altered.

As you may know, a debate was held in Parliament on 4 July 2022. This was the first time this topic was discussed in Parliament for some time. I want to pay tribute to my colleagues from both sides of the House who spoke bravely with significant contributions.

As the Government takes a neutral position, a change would have to be made via a Private Members’ Bill. If, at a future date, it became the clearly expressed will of Parliament to amend or change the criminal law so as to enable some form of assisted dying, the Government would undertake the role of ensuring that the relevant legislation was delivered as effectively as possible.