Borough's Tory MP welcomes Budget but ‘disappointed’ at Sunak’s freeport snub

Fletcher, who was elected in 2019, welcomed the extension of the furlough scheme, further support for the self-employed and the continuation of the uplift of Universal Credit which benefits thousands of people across the borough.

Sunak announced a range of measures with more borrowing but conceded taxes would increase in time.

Taxes on large company profits will rise in 2023 and a million more people will start paying income tax down the line.

It will take the UK’s tax burden to its highest level since the 1960s, the Office for Budget Responsibility said.

Doncaster specifically was mentioned just once in the Budget, this was around flood defences which was previously announced some months ago.

Doncaster’s two Labour MPs – Ed Miliband and Rosie Winterton – said the Budget offered ‘precious little’ for the borough.

Mr Fletcher said: “I was delighted with many measures announced in today’s Budget, despite being disappointed that Doncaster Sheffield Airport was not awarded Freeport status. The Chancellor provided a series of measures to help the economy recover from this terrible pandemic and help level up the north of England.

“I know that across Don Valley, the extension of the furlough scheme, further support for the self-employed, and the extension of the Universal Credit uplift for an additional six months will help families and businesses across the country.

“This support package will save thousands of jobs, provide security for those who need it most, and lay the foundation for our economic recovery in the upcoming years.

“While the Chancellor has rightly recognised the need to plug the hold in spending in the short term, this will not affect small businesses, and I was pleased that the rise in corporation tax to 25 per cent will only be applied to the top 10 per cent of businesses which have profits of £250,000 plus.”

“The ‘super-deduction’ announced by the Chancellor is another innovative, invigorating initiative that will supercharge infrastructure projects across the country.

“Equally, the Levelling Up Fund that takes applications next month will go a long way in bringing prosperity and jobs to the north.”

“Overall, this was an excellent Budget that will protect jobs and stimulate growth in the years ahead.”