How Today’s Budget is Supporting South Ribble

Today’s budget announcement brings with it a range of measures that will deliver meaningful benefits to the people of South Ribble. Here are just some of the ways these changes will make a difference:

• Income Tax and National Insurance Freeze: Stability for over 60,000 working residents as rates for income tax, National Insurance, and VAT remain unchanged, benefiting more than 85% of the working population.

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• Minimum Wage Increase: Over 3,000 workers on the National Minimum Wage will see their pay rise from £11.44 to £12.21 per hour.

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• Pension Boost: State pension payments will rise by approximately 4% next April under the Triple Lock promise, benefiting over 20,000 pensioners in South Ribble. This equates to an increase of around £460 annually.

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• Fuel Duty Frozen: The extension of the 5p cut on fuel duty for petrol and diesel for another year will provide financial relief to over 40,000 car-reliant households.

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• Bus Fare Cap: Single bus fares will be capped at £3, benefiting over 13,000 commuters and residents who rely on buses for daily necessities.

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• Support for Pubs and Bars: A decrease in draught duty will benefit over 100 local pubs and bars, supporting South Ribble’s businesses and social hubs.

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• Carers’ Allowance Expansion: Eligibility for Carers’ Allowance will be extended with the earnings threshold increasing from £151 to £195 per week, supporting over 1,000 carers in South Ribble.

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• Extended Business Rates Relief: Over 3,000 businesses in retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors will benefit from extended relief rates of 40%.

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• Household Support Fund Continuation: The continuation of the Household Support Fund will assist families facing hardship, ensuring direct support for local residents.

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• SEND Funding Boost: Over 1,000 children in South Ribble who depend on special educational needs and disability (SEND) support will benefit from a £1 billion increase in funding, a crucial investment in their future.

These are just some of the highlights of today’s budget and how it is improving life in South Ribble. More exciting developments will be shared as details emerge. Together, these changes are helping to make South Ribble an even better place to live, work, and thrive.