In recent weeks I have been knocking on doors in some of Brentwood and Ongar’s villages, chatting to local residents about the issues which matter to them. I’ve also been carrying out my usual Friday visits to some of our local schools and businesses.
There’s a variety of issues raised with me whenever I visit people at home or at work, but it’s rare I leave without taxes and funding being mentioned.
For individuals, income (as well as inheritance) tax are high on the priority list for questions, together with funding for mending more potholes. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality industry, are looking for a continuation of business rate relief and some flexibility on VAT and beer duty too.
I’ve also had a couple of calls from local headteachers too who are hoping for more support in the Budget, especially when it comes to meeting staffing costs.
The shoulders on which all these demands fall are those of the Chancellor, the Rt. Hon. Jeremy Hunt, and I was fortunate enough to be able to able to meet with him last week to raise ideas with him. I have no answers as yet (we shall have to wait until 6 March for those) but please be assured he is aware of all the issues raised with me in recent weeks and that I – and my fellow Essex MPs – are keeping him appraised of what local people are looking for.
