Edward Leigh MP has welcomed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and the news that the fuel duty rise planned for January has been cancelled.

“Family finance is always tightest around Christmas, and more so during this recession. I wholeheartedly welcome the Chancellor’s announcements today. The news that families will see their income tax reduce thanks to an increase in the personal allowance will be a welcome Christmas present for families nationwide.

“I am most pleased though that the Chancellor has listened to calls by me and others to cancel the planned fuel duty rise. Putting up tax on fuel hits people living in rural areas hardest, and I am glad that January’s rise has been cancelled.

“More than just reducing the burden on people across the constituency, I welcome the proposed changes to tax on companies. I agree with the chancellor that big firms that trade in Britain should pay corporation tax here, but I also want us to make clear that Britain is open for business. For that reason, I am glad that the UK’s corporation tax rate will reduce to maintain our place as amongst the best places in the world to set up business.

“I am pleased too that the Chancellor has increased the annual tax free investment allowance to £250,000. I have been calling, with the NFU, for such an increase since 2011. This change will benefit Lincolnshire’s farmers, who couldn’t afford to buy even a single tractor under the old scheme. This change will allow farmers and businesses across the constituency to invest in growth.

“This announcement is fantastic news for families, farmers, and businessmen across North Lincolnshire”

Edward Leigh MP is a signatory to the Fair Fuel UK petition to reduce duty on fuel and has consistently called for a cut within the House of Commons.