Harrogate MP's response in full to Labour Chancellor's first Budget and £22.6 billion NHS boost
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has given his reaction to the Budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves saying he would hold it to account on its local impact.
Lib Dem Tom Gordon said the extra £22 billion for frontline services in the NHS announced in the Budget really had to deliver improvements for local people, including through extra GP and NHS dentist appointments.
And he raised concern about some of the Chancellor’s measures undermining small and medium sized businesses in his constituency.
“I have consistently campaigned for more investment in our local health services so I’m glad the Chancellor has listened,” said Mr Gordon.
“The Liberal Democrats will now be holding the government’s feet to the fire on the promises they’ve made, so people here in our part of Yorkshire can finally see a GP or dentist when they need to.
“Sadly the new government has repeated the Conservatives' mistake of neglecting social care.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves also revealed that employer national insurance contributions would rise from 13.8% to 15%, alongside lowering the threshold where businesses start paying NI earnings from £9,100 to £5,000.
But the Harrogate and Knaresborough MP expressed concern over this policy.
“Both Harrogate and Knaresborough have economies that rely heavily on small and medium-sized businesses,” said Mr Gordon.
"Labour’s policy is reckless and will put already struggling businesses in more jeopardy.
"The Government should be raising the money we need by reversing tax cuts for the big banks and asking social media giants to pay more.”