The Budget showed the Prime Minister and Chancellor’s determination to see that work pays, making sure you get to get keep more of your hard-earned money via a reduction in the rate of National Insurance that represents a tax cut of a £900 for people on average salaries. While this targets working people, the Government also recognises retirees’ many decades of hard work, with the State Pension increasing by 8.5 percent from the start of next month, meaning that, as a result, the new State Pension will be worth up to £900 a year more.
While the Budget is often discussed from a nationwide perspective, its effects are felt by individuals and businesses across the country. Fylde is no different and, having visited Lytham Gin last month, it was fantastic to see the freeze on alcohol duty extended, supporting an industry that has seen such growth in recent years, particularly among small independent businesses.
In addition to keeping taxes low, the Government is funding the most vital of public services, our fantastic NHS, which is benefitting from an additional £2.5 billion in 2024-25 for day-to-day activities in England, with an extra £3.4 billion investment to modernise IT systems and freeing up Doctors’ time to be spent with patients.
Leasehold, ground rents and management fees have long been a concern of mine, particularly with the large number of new housing developments built in Fylde over recent years. The Government has committed to reforming the system, making it easier for people to purchase their freehold and capping the fees residents are charged.
From meeting and correspondence with residents, I know that there are ongoing issues at several estates in Fylde and while there is no quick fix, I have taken these issues up on residents’ behalf, contacting the developers and the managing agents to highlight the issues are request that they work with residents to overcome them. I am also discussing these issues with Ministers, using this feedback to highlight the need to avoid unnecessary delays in implementing the promised reforms.
In the longer team, we need to see these estates adopted by the Borough and County Councils to alleviate some of the issues, meaning that the roads, verges, and other public areas are treated like any other area. This is something that I have raised with Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire County Council respectively.
I am always proud to champion Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and the fantastic work they do supporting families through challenging times. For many with young children facing difficulties, the financial impact these can cause can become particularly stark at times of celebration. Easter is no exception and the charity have launched their Easter egg appeal to make sure that every Home-Start gets an egg this Easter. You can donate by dropping off an egg to the Home Start charity shop on St Albans Road in St Annes to help make sure no child feels left out this Easter.