Andrew feels that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Budget is great news for hard-pressed individuals and families across Aberdeenshire.
He said that the Budget managed to outline a range of measures to support vulnerable people and communities as well as encouraging economic growth.
Andrew has also urged the SNP-Green government to match the Chancellor’s commitment to roll out 30 hours of free childcare to all parents of one and two-year-olds, which is set to be delivered south of the border.
He highlighted that Jeremy Hunt’s Budget delivers an extra £320 million in Barnett Consequentials over the next two years for the SNP-Green government.
Andrew has now called for this money to be passed on in full so commitments made by the UK Government are fully matched in Scotland.
However he says that people in West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine will benefit from a range of measures, even before additional Barnett Consequentials.
These include:
• An extension to the Energy Price Cap for three months, which will save the typical household £160 this year
• An end to the premium paid by those on pre-payment meters by adjusting the energy price guarantee
• Increasing the annual pension allowance to £60,000 and abolishing the Lifetime Allowance
• A freeze in fuel duty for the 13th year in a row, which will save the average driver £100 this year
• An increase in Universal Credit childcare payments for parents
Andrew said that “The UK Government announced a budget which is focussed on the people’s priorities of tackling the cost-of-living crisis and growing and delivering stability for our economy.
“Extending the energy price cap for three months is a welcome step to help families pay energy bills and the Scottish Government will also receive £320 million due to other funding commitments which were announced
“Rishi Sunak’s UK Government is continuing to deliver for Scottish families and businesses in these difficult times.
“The SNP Government must now use this extra funding to address the cost-of-living in Scotland and ensure this is passed in full to communities across Aberdeenshire.”
