This is a budget for families, jobs and pensioners with fairness at the heart of it.

I am proud we are lifting millions of people out of tax and local people will have more money in their pocket and we are introducing the biggest ever increase in the state pension to help the elderly members of our community.

Our help for businesses will mean more jobs and opportunities for young people and the massive investment in the pupil premium which helps the poorest pupils in school is a real boost for families struggling as we try to clear up the massive debts Labour left behind.

I am proud to support this budget which helps the poorest in our community and builds on the massive £250 million infrastructure investment in our local schools, hospital, jobs and housing, which I have secured from the government for our town.

Stephen McPartland
Member of Parliament for Stevenage
21st March 2012