Charlotte Cane MP: Autumn Budget “Not Nearly Bold Enough”

Responding to the Autumn Budget today, Ely and East Cambridgeshire MP Charlotte Cane has labelled the Chancellor’s measures “not nearly bold enough”.

Charlotte has voiced her disappointment that many of the measures in the Budget do not address much-needed relief to people in Ely and East Cambridgeshire.

Though the Chancellor announced an extension of VAT relief on electricity bills and the removal of standing charges for gas bills, no mention was made of households off the gas grid, reliant on heating oil. Prior to the Budget, Charlotte has been calling on Government to temporarily zero-rate VAT on heating oil, and introduce an emergency price cap. 

The Chancellor also offered no relief for the costs of fuel or public transport. Alongside Liberal Democrat colleagues, Charlotte has been calling for an emergency transport package to cut fuel duty, slash bus and rail fares, and cut VAT on public EV charging.

Though the Chancellor offered some relief on business rates, Charlotte has argued that a 5p VAT holiday for hospitality businesses would be a more effective way to revitalise local businesses.

This morning, Charlotte wrote to the Prime Minister to reiterate her long-standing call for upgrades to Ely rail junction. By opening up capacity for more passenger and freight services, Charlotte argued these upgrades are vital to unlock local growth.

Speaking after the Budget statement, Charlotte said:

“With this Budget, the Chancellor promised to deliver households breathing space. After hearing today’s statement, it’s clear that the measures taken are not nearly bold enough to make a meaningful difference.

The relief on gas and electricity bills is welcome – but the Chancellor has failed to deliver the same protections for heating oil customers, who are facing sky-high bills and are at risk of further price shocks.

Yet again, this Government has ignored the pressures felt by rural communities in Ely and East Cambridgeshire.

People in rural areas also pay more for transport and travel, so I’m deeply disappointed to see no support for the costs of fuel and public transport, nor any indication of investing in infrastructure, such as the Ely rail junction upgrades.

Our communities need a meaningful plan for growth. This begins by tackling the cost of living, investing in infrastructure, backing local businesses, and a new trading relationship with Europe.”