Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Lothian Jeremy Balfour says Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement delivers a “whole range of benefits” for households and business in the Lothians.
Jeremy Balfour says the measures included in the statement will be a “hugely welcome boost” for those living and working in the Lothians.
He has particularly welcomed Jeremy Hunt’s decision to cut National Insurance contributions by two per cent – from 12 to 10 per cent – which will mean up to £754 per year extra in the pockets of employees in Lothian with the changes coming into force on January 6 next year.
Jeremy Balfour has also welcomed an uplift in the national living wage to £11.44 per hour – which has been extended to include those aged 21 and over for the first time – as well as uplifts in benefit payments by 6.7% and the state pension by 8.5%, saying this is evidence of the UK Government supporting people in Lothian through continued challenging economic times.
They have also praised Jeremy Hunt’s move to abolish Class Two National Contributions and cut Class Four National Insurance Contributions for the self-employed in the Lothians saving a self-employed individual an average of £350 a year.
Finally Jeremy Balfour has called on the SNP-Green Government to match Jeremy Hunt’s measure to give 75 per cent rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses south of the border.
Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP Jeremy Balfour said: “The Autumn Statement from Jeremy Hunt delivers a whole range of benefits for those living and working in the Lothians.
“Against a challenging economic backdrop, the Chancellor has delivered a hugely welcome boost for the local economy and people’s personal finances in the Lothians.
“The cut in National Insurance contributions will benefit thousands of employees across Lothian and the average self-employed individual will also save £350 per year as a result of the Chancellor’s positive decisions.
“The Chancellor has also shown once again how he is prepared to step up and support people through the cost-of-living crisis. From raising the rate of the National Living Wage and uplifting benefits such as Universal Credit as well as the rate of the state pension, people of all ages in the Lothians are being supported by this UK Government.
“Businesses in Lothian are also continuing to face tough times. The onus is now on the SNP-Green government to match Jeremy Hunt’s extremely welcome rates relief south of the border, for businesses in the Lothians
“The Chancellor’s Autumn Statement has delivered on a number of fronts for people living and working in Lothian and I look forward to seeing them reap the benefits.”
