Ruth's comment on the budget

This budget was a missed opportunity for Hounslow. The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak promised to grow our economy, yet our economy is in recession and the tax burden remains at the highest level for 70 years. People locally know how poorly our economy is doing- they see it with rising food bills, energy bills that remain high and rents and mortgage payments that continue to rise. Meanwhile our economy remains stuck in a cycle of low growth, with families locally suffering the cost of this. 

This budget also fails to tackle the huge housing crisis facing our country. So many families are being priced out of West London, and many families are trapped in poor quality temporary accommodation. This budget offers nothing to tackle the housing crisis, and the impact this crisis is having on other economy. 

Having met with small businesses across Hounslow I also know that they are struggling- both due to rising costs, but also the outdated business rates system. The Prime Minister remains out of touch about the challenges facing small businesses across West London.

What is even more disturbing is that the Government have wasted millions of pounds on failed projects- such as the Rwanda scheme for refugees which has cost over £200 million. This comes on top of the billions spent for PPE that did not work, and covid-loans for fraudsters. After 14 years in power the Government have once again shown that they have no solutions, or plans to support residents locally. This budget is a failed opportunity for Hounslow and shows how out of touch the Government are about our local economy