Autumn Statement

The big political event of last week was the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement though locally confirmation that through trains between Cleethorpes, Scunthorpe and Manchester would be retained in the new franchise to be finalised next year was the decision that would have resulted in a collective sigh of relief. It was the result of a massive campaign. As well as the Telegraph’s highly successful campaign that resulted in around 7000 coupons being delivered to the minister by myself and Michelle Lalor, editor of the Grimsby edition. I and my colleagues asked countless questions in Parliament, held a full-scale debate, Select Committee hearings and lots of meetings both formal and informal with ministers, in particular the quiet word here and there cannot be underestimated showing that Government backbenchers with access to ministers can use their influence effectively. It also demonstrates that if the public engage with the consultation processes that governments carry out then ministers must take note – the system works. The temptation, when a decision goes against you, is always to claim that no one listens, it was all a done deal and so on; not so democracy is a two-way process, get involved and things can change.

The Autumn Statement itself ‎was well-balanced and responsible.

At local level there was really good news for those affected by, not just last year’s tidal surge, but also previous floods. £80 million has been allocated as the first instalment of funding for the various projects needed to strengthen the Humber defences and specifically mentioned is the area in the Barrow Haven/New Holland area. The plans put together by the local authorities and the Environment Agency to increase the level of defences from what is described in the jargon as a ‘one in fifty year event’ will be upgraded to ‘one in 200 year event’ are being trawled over by officials at the Department of Environment and in the Treasury. The proposals are estimated at £1.2 billion spread over seventeen years. Obviously before expenditure at this level is given the go-ahead there is much work to be done but the £80 million is a positive message from Government that the work is not just necessary but vital for both residents and to protect industry much of which is of strategic importance.

There was also funding for housing developments on brownfield sites, and the abolition of Air Passenger Duty for children will be welcome news not just for families but Humberside Airport as well; abolition of National Insurance contributions for apprentices, a boost for the High Street with help on Business Rates and the very welcome reform of stamp duty.

George Osborne has stuck to his strategy outlined at the start of the Coalition Government and we are now the fastest-growing of the world's major economies. It will take a few more months before the benefits filter through with further increases in personal tax allowances and the like but we can all feel that little more confident that better times are ahead.

Locally there is much to be optimistic about with growing confidence in the business community and 2015 will be the year when everyone starts to feel the benefit.