Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, commenting on the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement 2022

Damien Moore, Member of Parliament for Southport, commenting on the Chancellor’s Autumn
Statement 2022, said:

“Last week, along with colleagues I wrote to the Chancellor to insist that spending on education
should not be cut, but indeed should be increased.

 Today, I am very pleased to hear him announce
that the schools’ budget will grow by £4 billion over the next two years. Southport’s children only get
one shot at their school education, and it is right that we do everything we can to support them.

“In addition, as part of the Government’s fair plan to tackle inflation and restore economic stability,
helping those who need it by ensuring that people across the country and indeed Southport are
protected, I warmly welcome the Chancellor’s commitments to:

• Support every household with higher energy bills by extending the Energy Price Guarantee
until April 2024, with an extra £12 billion for the most vulnerable.
• Uprate benefits in line with inflation.
• Protect the pensions Triple Lock.
• Invest an additional £7.7 billion in health and social care over the next two years.
• Boost growth with over £600 billion in capital investment over the next five years.
• Provide a £14 billion business rates package to support high streets.
“The OBR expects this package to reduce peak inflation and unemployment, and to raise GDP.

Crucially, today’s statement makes clear that those who need support will continue to get that
support, and shows that you don’t have to choose between a strong economy or good public services
– with a Conservative Government, you get both.

“I am confident that the provisions announced today will help us ensure good public services while
also getting our finances under control, so that ultimately we can introduce appropriate tax cuts
when the time is right.

“I realise however that times are still tough for many now, and I would remind everyone in Southport
who needs help that I am always available by telephone and by email, and that I run a weekly advice
surgery in The Atkinson library, 11am-2pm every Friday. No appointment is necessary, and you can
simply turn up.”