Jardine reacts to “mixed bag” budget

Christine Jardine reacts to the Budget

The Chancellor set out several measures that Ms Jardine has been calling for, including lifting the two-child cap on certain benefits, an extra £820 million for the Scottish Government over the next three years, and support for a new exascale computer at the University of Edinburgh.

Ms Jardine welcomed the Chancellor’s assurance that no inheritance tax will need to be paid on infected blood compensation payments if someone dies before a payment is made. The Budget also unlocks further opportunities for the Forth Green Freeport, which the Government says will create up to 16,000 direct jobs.

However, the Liberal Democrat criticised the lack of action on VAT, which she would like to see reduced on hospitality businesses to support the industry, and removed from independent school fees.

Ms Jardine hopes the Chancellor will keep these measures under review to help her constituents manage the cost-of-living.

Christine Jardine MP, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, said:

“I am delighted the Chancellor has finally listened to Liberal Democrat calls and removed the unfair two-child benefit cap, and the appalling ‘rape clause’ which have both caused so much difficulty for families across the country.

“While I welcome the investment in Scotland, including critical funding for opportunities at our world-leading universities, there are still missed opportunities.

“Pubs, restaurants and cafes across Edinburgh are crying out for support. This Budget was an excellent opportunity to support them through the winter by cutting VAT to 15% that the Chancellor has missed.

“There is also nothing recognition of the impact that VAT on independent school fees has had on Edinburgh, a City with an above-average number of pupils affected by the changes.

“I will continue to push the Chancellor to act to support communities like Edinburgh West with fairer taxes and a closer relationship with Europe.”