Reporting Back: Oliver Ryan MP Burnley, Padiham and Brierfield

Hello! Ordinarily, I’d kick off by telling you what I’ve been up to this week – but let’s be honest, there’s only one thing people want to hear about: the Budget.

This was a Budget focused squarely on delivery. Cutting bills. Raising incomes. Reducing waiting lists. Reducing the national debt. And doing it in a way that working people will actually feel.

First, energy bills – we have some of the highest bills in Europe. This budget delivers action to bring them down by £150 per year. It’s short-term relief, but it makes a real difference when bills are still painfully high. That anxious time when that direct debit goes to energy companies, hopefully, won’t be as fearful.

We’re also keeping the fuel duty freeze for yet another year – ensuring that it’s cheaper to get to work, the shops, and your children’s Sunday sports games than it otherwise would’ve been.

We’re freezing prescription costs and train fares – for the first time in 30 years. Too long it’s been the average family bearing the brunt of price rises that the Government can control – this budget changes that.

Pay is rising too. The increase in the National Living Wage means millions of workers get a straightforward, deserved pay boost – no gimmicks, just more money for those who need it most.

This Budget also takes decisive action on child poverty. Scrapping the two-child benefit cap will lift 5,170 children out of poverty in Burnley alone. That’s not abstract policy – that’s food on the table, warmer homes, and better life chances. Where some say this is for Benefit Britain, I say – children should not be penalised for the circumstances of their birth.

Pensions and benefits are being uprated, with the state pension rising by around £550 a year - an above-inflation pay rise - and support for winter fuel payments restored. At a time when prices have been high, that security matters.

We’ve backed that up with extra funding for the NHS, helping deliver five million additional appointments so far, bringing waiting times down and getting people the care they deserve.

Growth drives pay packets. We defied growth forecasts this year, and we’ll do so again. Growth delivers for working people, and Labour delivers growth.

This is exactly what a Labour Government is about: material improvements people actually feel. Not shouting in Westminster, but change in your back pocket.

I’m proud to say I will vote for this budget. This really is the difference a Labour Government makes.

As always, if you need advice or support, get in touch with me at [email protected], call 01282 216398, or visit my office on Grimshaw Street.

Speak soon, or until next time,

Oliver.