Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed the policies of the Autumn Statement announced last week (22nd November), many of which reflect the demands the local MP made to the Chancellor at a recent meeting in September.
Mr Loder said: “The Autumn Statement today is good news, particularly for West Dorset’s working people, pensioners, the self-employed, and small businesses. The Chancellor’s reforms to National Insurance Contributions will cut the rate for working people from 12% to 10% from January, while self-employed people will benefit from the abolition of an entire class of NICs.”
“For West Dorset’s small businesses, it’s also significant that the Retail, Hospital and Leisure relief scheme will be extended, saving our pubs and cafes thousands on their final rates bill. In addition, business rates are being frozen for the fourth consecutive year, saving the average shop £1,650.”
The local MP added: “I’m especially pleased to see there is more support to help households and businesses deal with the rising cost of living. The National Living Wage will increase by 9.8% to £11.44 an hour; all working age benefits will increase in full by 6.7%; and pensions will be boosted in line with the Triple Lock promise, by 8.5% - this all is alongside a further round of dedicated Cost of Living Payments to those eligible.”
