Responding to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement of the Comprehensive Spending Review, North Devon MP Nick Harvey welcomed moves to safeguard social and welfare schemes relied upon by the young, old and vulnerable.
Nick said: “The spending review is undoubtedly very tough, but it goes to great lengths to promote fairness and to continue supporting the most financially vulnerable.
“Though Child Benefit will no longer be a universal, lower income families will not be subsidising wealthy families who don’t need it. The huge £2.5billion saving made from this change is clearly encouraging.
“To support children as they reach school age, the Coalition Government is investing in a £2.5billion pupil premium for disadvantaged children and extending free early education and care to all disadvantaged two year olds.
“Regarding benefits for older people, I am pleased that the Government is preserving the Winter Fuel Payments scheme, this in addition to preserving free eye tests, prescriptions and TV licenses is welcome news in these stringent times.
“Finally, the 1.5 million Equitable Life policyholders will receive the long overdue and just settlements they so rightly deserve.”
In addition, upon the announcement of a Green Investment Bank and investment in offshore wind technology, he added:–
“I am delighted that this Government has recognized the importance of rebuilding our economy on the sustainability of green investment. With more than £200million for the development of low carbon technologies including offshore wind technology, we in North Devon can expect to benefit greatly from this investment.”
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