Congleton MP, Sarah Russell, says this week's autumn Budget gives breathing space to individuals, families and businesses, and hope for the future.

The MP says it represents a good balance between supporting household finances, providing incentives and support for businesses, and investment in the country's defence needs.

She said: "Fuel duty will remain frozen until July 2027, including red diesel, supporting drivers, businesses and farmers – and there are increases in tax relief for self-employed drivers as well.

"More than 31,000 eligible households in council tax bands A-D in our constituency will receive a £100 Household Energy Payment this winter.

"Scrapping gas bill standing charges will save around 60% of households an average of £45 a year and is targeted to the most vulnerable.

"British taxpayers supported the banks during the financial crisis, and it's right that it's the banks that are paying for this now."

And she says there's good news for pensioners and retail, hospitality and leisure businesses not to mention help for young people wanting to get on the housing ladder.

"The Chancellor confirmed that from April 2027, people above State Pension age with a total income up to and including the value of the new State Pension will not pay Income Tax," Mrs Russell said.

"This Pension Tax Allowance is set to benefit around 500,000 pensioners nationally, and I know it will come as a relief to many people.

"Around 70,000 more retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will be taken out of business rates altogether. Eligible industrial firms will receive a 25% reduction in electricity bills. A new Founders Relief will also help encourage investment, growth and entrepreneurship.

"The Your First Home scheme will help young people to buy who are currently locked out of the housing market if they don't have parental support – it's carefully targeted at those who need it most. It will be available from early 2027.

"I've been lobbying about improving paternity/partner parental leave since I first entered Parliament, so I am particularly pleased that parental pay will be extended to more than 150,000 additional parents, including self-employed fathers and partners.

"I also welcome the launch of the first-ever misogyny prevention fund as part of this Government's commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and creating safer communities. "

She added: "We are keeping the country safe with the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War, including £700 million for AI and nearly £300 billion for defence over the next four years.

"We will spend 4% of GDP on defence by 2030 and 3.5% by 2035.

"The Bank of England, IMF and OBR have all improved their UK growth forecasts, with the OBR predicting 1.2% growth this year.

"While challenges remain, the IMF projects the UK's deficit will be the lowest in the G7 by 2029, with Labour cutting it faster than any other G20 country.

"This Budget will not solve every challenge overnight; I know that there is still more to do. I will continue to work to ensure that the people and businesses of the Congleton constituency receive the support they deserve."