Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Autumn Statement which will help working families in Crawley, continue bringing down the deficit so the nation lives within its means, and tackle the long-term challenges facing the British economy so the UK is more productive and the economy is fit for the future.

The Statement was delivered on Wednesday 23rd November in the House of Commons by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP.

Welcoming these measures as good news for working families in Crawley, Henry said;

“The actions announced in the Autumn Statement will help local people who are just about managing, and ensure our economy is fighting fit as we begin the process to leave the EU.

“Help for savers, a commitment to increasing the tax-free personal allowance and continuing the fuel duty freeze will help families across Crawley.

“I joined with around 50 other Conservative MPs to write to the Chancellor to urge him to continue the fuel duty freeze and I’m pleased that he listened to our concerns.

“By backing businesses, investing in our transport networks and securing world-class digital infrastructure, we will keep Britain moving and support our economy for the future.

“This is about putting working families in Crawley first – and building an economy that works for everyone, not just the privileged few.”

The Chancellor confirmed an increase in the National Living Wage from £7.20 to £7.50 in April 2017; a further pay rise for 1.3 million people worth over £500 a year to a full-time worker. In addition, a package of additional enforcement measures will ensure everyone entitled to the National Living Wage receives it.

The Government are committed to raising the personal allowance even further to £12,500 in 2020. Continued increases since 2010 have cut tax for 28 million people and have taken four million people out of income tax altogether.