During the pandemic many households and businesses struggled, especially when businesses had to close. I worked to ensure they received the necessary support and a path to recovery from the Government. As a result, 2,803 loans totalling £135 million were given to businesses in Skipton and Ripon.
Recently, high inflation, caused by the pandemic and energy crises, has affected families. The previous Government made reducing inflation a priority cutting it from 11.1% in November 2022 to 2% by May 2024 thanks in part to the Energy Price Guarantee and the Energy Bill Relief Scheme.
To support working parents the 2023 Spring Budget expanded free childcare to parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years,and increased support for Universal Credit recipients, which the new Government has continued.
Locally, I helped open a new Barclays Local site in Skipton offering face-to-face financial support. I also supported National Insurance cuts in 2024 which saved workers an average of £450 annually and called for business rate cuts for those affected by the A59 closure. Additionally, I worked to improve digital infrastructure, with a £60.9 million contract to bring gigabit broadband to rural areas. My efforts to bring the Tour de France to Yorkshire is another example of my work to boost the local economy.
