I think the Chancellor's Budget will give workers, businesses and families breathing space and hope
Blackpool South MP highlights business rates relief, household energy support and investment in housing following the Chancellor’s Budget
The Chancellor’s Budget will give Blackpool “breathing space and hope for the future”, according to Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who has highlighted measures he says will support local families, businesses and workers.
Mr Webb outlined five key measures he believes will benefit the town, including changes to business rates relief, energy bill support for households, funding for derelict buildings, investment in affordable housing and a rise in the minimum wage.
Under the Budget, the threshold for small business rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses will increase from £12,000 to £18,000. The change is expected to mean 70,000 more businesses will pay no business rates from April 2027.
Energy bill support will also be available for households in council tax bands A to D, covering more than 54,000 households in Blackpool South. The town’s buildings are also set to benefit from £1.35 million from the derelict buildings fund, with Mr Webb saying he would work to ensure the money reaches the areas where it is needed most.
Housing was another key area highlighted by the MP, with £1 billion allocated to social and affordable housebuilding across England. Mr Webb said Blackpool needed more good-quality, affordable homes and described the funding as a significant step towards addressing that need.
The Budget also includes a 3.9 per cent rise in the minimum wage, which Mr Webb said would put more money into the pockets of local workers. Commenting on the measures, Mr Webb said: “The Chancellor’s Budget today gives Blackpool breathing space and hope for the future. There’s more to do, but this is a Budget that backs Blackpool’s families and businesses.
“I’ll keep fighting to make sure our town gets its fair share.”
The MP’s comments place the focus on the potential local impact of the Budget, particularly for small businesses, households facing energy costs and residents in need of affordable housing. While acknowledging that more work remains to be done, Mr Webb said the measures represented a positive step for Blackpool’s families and businesses.