CORNWALL's MPs have been reacting to today's budget announcement from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt which saw the 5p per litre cut in fuel duty extended. 

In his Budget, the Chancellor confirmed the reduction that was introduced in March 2022 will continue for another 12 months.

Hunt also confirmed fuel duty is not going to increase in line with inflation as well as announcing that the duty of draught beer in UK pubs will freeze in a move to help struggling pubs and bars.

Four of Cornwall's MPs have reacted to today's budget, with some taking to social media to express their support for the Conservative Government's latest budget announcements. 

Cherilyn Mackrory, MP for Truro & Falmouth, said: "The Budget today provides security to local families and businesses. I particularly welcome the Chancellor extending the Energy Price Guarantee which saves families on average £180 per month.

"I also know that many of us will be happy to see that Beer Duty is to be frozen. The Brexit Pub Guarantee will protect many of our local village pubs in Cornwall."

Derek Thomas, MP for St Ives, West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: "I was hoping for a budget that supported my priorities of jobs, skills and local businesses – so I was pleased with Jeremy Hunt’s announcements this afternoon.

"The Chancellor’s plan includes childcare allowances increased to 30 hours a week to working parents, and childcare costs for Universal Credit claimants paid upfront; A £25 billion tax cut for business investment; Simplifying the tax system, and import and export customs, for small businesses; An increase in the annual pension allowance – which is will help to address NHS workforce pressures; A new Universal Support programme, helping people with disabilities and the long-term sick into work; Helping Universal Credit claimants into work through raising earnings thresholds and coaching, and strengthening sanctions for not accepting work.

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"The Government is continuing to support people with the cost of living - extending the Energy Price Guarantee as well as making prepayment meters fairer – and I'll continue to press for intervention to bring down other household costs such as housing."

Scott Mann, MP for North Cornwall, said: "I have spoken to childcare providers and parents about the challenges in the industry. We are pleased to support families and businesses in North Cornwall in today's budget.

"It will help thousands of local people continue with their careers and take pressure off of hard-working parents. Great for families, great for economic growth."

Steve Double, MP for St Austell and Newquay, said: "It is clear from the Chancellor’s Budget Statement today that the tough measures he announced in the autumn last year to stabilise and protect the economy are working.

"Today’s Budget Statement contains measures I have long campaigned for. The reforms to childcare, both in terms of additional free childcare for children under five, and increased hourly rates for nursery providers will make it so much easier for families to get back to work, and also support the providers of this essential service.

"The measures to support households with energy and fuel costs as well as supporting the pub trade with a freeze on draft beer duty is also welcome.

"In continuing uncertain times internationally it is also right to see the headline figures for defence funding as well as more support for our veterans.

"Finally on local matters it is great to see leisure centre operators provided with additional funding to help keep pools open, something I have met with local operators and the Government about, as well as an additional £5million to fill potholes in Cornwall.

"All positive steps forward and I will continue to do all I can to ensure Cornwall gets its share of what has been announced today."

The Packet has contacted Sheryll Murray MP and George Eustice MP for comment and will update this article as and when we receive a response from them.