Stuart Anderson MP is calling on residents across South Shropshire to take part in his economic priorities survey. He has said that the results will form the evidence base of a submission to the Chancellor.
Stuart's survey comes ahead of a statement that the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is expected to deliver in Parliament on Wednesday 26 March. It will be accompanied by an Economic and Fiscal Forecast, drawn up by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).
HM Treasury said: "The Chancellor remains committed to one major fiscal event a year to give families and businesses stability and certainty on upcoming tax and spending changes and, in turn, to support the government’s growth mission."
On 23rd January, the Chancellor added: "We've asked the independent Office of Budget Responsibility to do a forecast that will be published on March 26 and at that point, I'll be setting out any changes that are necessary."
The Chancellor's latest remarks have fuelled speculation that further cuts to public services are on the way. It follows a spate of tax hikes announced in the Autumn Budget - including the controversial Family Farm Tax, which reduces inheritance tax relief for farmers.
Government Departments have been told that spending should be stopped if it is not “contributing to a priority” outlined in the Government's Plan for Change, which was published on 5th December 2024.
Stuart has slammed the Prime Minister's Plan, after it failed to mention rural areas even once. He has said that the Spring Statement should "positively reset relations with rural communities."
Ahead of the Spring Statement, Stuart's survey now aims to collect the views of as many residents as possible. He has said that he wants to make a strong representation to HM Treasury on behalf of residents in South Shropshire.
Given the significant pressures they are under, Stuart wants to enhance public services. In recent months, he has launched campaigns to improve services such as efforts to back our community hospitals, fix our roads, and tackle rural crime.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"Our public services are some of the most important elements in our communities that we depend on. From transport links that enable us to see loved ones and travel to work to the emergency services that are there for us we need it most, I want to deliver the funding and support to enhance public services across South Shropshire."
Stuart added:
"The Chancellor must seize the opportunity presented by the Spring Statement to positively reset relations with rural communities, delivering investment that will support our residents and opportunities and unlock the skills and opportunities to unleash economic growth. A failure to do this would be catastrophic. So, I am calling on residents across South Shropshire to let me know what the Chancellor should prioritise when she delivers her Spring Statement on 26th March 2025."
