107.8 Radio Jackie - Bulletins aired each hour

Wednesday, 15 March 2023

The chancellor’s Budget had two main thrusts – one, trying to get people back into work and the other designed to kick-start growth in the UK.

And when it comes to the economy - official independent forecasters now think we're going to avoid a recession in 2023, and that inflation will drop below three-percent by the end of the year.

That's the rate at which prices are jumping up in the shops and is currently above 10.

The Chancellor's spending plans should see the cost of a pint of beer drop, while the duty on fuel will remain frozen, and the energy price guarantee's staying the same for another three months.

Childcare provision is expanding in England - with up to 30 free hours from the age of nine-months-old, provided all adults in the home are working.

That’s to be phased in by September 2025.

There were also announcements to encourage businesses to invest, and prizes for ground-breaking AI research.

Levelling-up money's also being promised with 200-million pounds for local regeneration projects across England and 11 billion more for defence over five years.

Labour's calling the spending plans a 'sticking plaster' claiming the UK's the 'sick man' of Europe.

Jeremy Hunt's Commons statement was against a backdrop of mass strike action - including in the NHS, with health unions wondering why he couldn't find money for their pay rises.

Lib Dem MP for Richmond Park Sarah Olney MP has responded to the budget saying:  

“The Conservatives government’s choice to hike energy bills will come as a hammer blow to families in London already struggling with soaring mortgages and rents, shopping bills and tax rises.

“These plans will push more families into fuel poverty, while oil and gas companies making record profits are let off the hook.

“In these tough times, local people deserve a proper plan to tackle this cost-of-living crisis. 

That means a proper windfall tax, a £500 cut to energy bills and investment in our local health services.”

posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 5:30 pm