Julian reacts to Autumn Statement
January 8, 2013
Last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer gave his Autumn Statement outlining the Government’s economic plans for the months ahead.
Julian was delighted that the Chancellor has announced that York will be one of twelve smaller cities that will benefit from £50 million funding for ultrafast broadband in addition to the funding already received for broadband expansion which is something Julian has campaigned on.
Speaking following the Autumn Statement, Julian said: “The ultra-fast broadband announcement for York is great news for our city which will provide a real boost for inward investment as well as helping small and medium sized businesses to grow. Alongside the expansion of super-fast broadband across North Yorkshire and York, this shows that the Government is providing real investment for our area on infrastructure that will make a real difference to people’s quality of life.
More generally, I am also delighted this Government has taken further measures to help with the everyday cost of living by scrapping the January fuel duty increase altogether and further increasing the personal tax allowance next April.”
Julian was also pleased that the Chancellor recognised his work on empty property rates in the Statement and the impact they have on businesses. Speaking in the House of Commons to the Chancellor, Julian said: “I congratulate my Right Honourable Friend on his statement today and thank him for the consideration he has given to our report on empty property rates. The move to give new build commercial properties and exemption from empty property rates will be a very welcome boost to the economy and will be much welcomed within the industry, but could I also ask the Chancellor keeps the wider issue of empty property rates on existing buildings under review.”
