Commenting on the Spending Review 2010, Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland said: “Nobody wants to make cuts, but it is important to protect the most vulnerable in our society by driving waste out of Government. We are paying £121 million a day in interest, most of which leaves this country, and prevents local people having the housing, jobs, health and education that they should be given.”

“I am pleased with some of the measures outlined”, Stephen explained, “such as the people premium and the increase in child tax credit, as these should help lead to improved educational attainment for some of the poorest children in our society.”

“I also like that we are protecting winter fuel payments, free bus passes, free prescriptions, free eye tests and free TV licences for the over 75s.”, Stephen continued, “I am also pleased that the licence fee for the BBC has been frozen for the next 6 years, and the Coalition Government is investing heavily in health and education in Stevenage. We have secured over £250 million since May and I will continue to stand up for Stevenage.”