Crawley Labour respond to the Government’s National Insurance cuts: Crawley Labour deputy leader calls the decision ‘too little too late’

Henry Smith MP welcomed the chancellor of the exchequer’s new measures, which set out how families and businesses across Crawley will see their National Insurance contributions reduced by 1.25 per cent.

Mr Smith said he welcomed “the support set out for people across Crawley, including the cut to National Insurance contributions, as well as other measures including cuts to Income Tax and Stamp Duty. This will all help local families to keep more of their own money.”

Crawley Labour disagrees with the latest government legislation and Crawley Labour deputy leader and group secretary, Alison Cornel called it ‘seriously damaging’.

Crawley Labour leader Cllr Michael Jones said: “I have always opposed the Government raising National Insurance on working people during a cost of living crisis. Just over a year ago the Government legislated for this tax rise on working people, which broke the Conservatives’ manifesto and was supported by Henry Smith, despite widespread opposition.

“I welcome the fact the Tories are now u-turning on this Bill. But the money people will save on National Insurance will barely address the soaring price of essential household purchases, nor will it remotely cover the additional amounts many will now be paying on their mortgages through higher interest because of the Government’s whole disastrous economic strategy.”

Mrs Cornell said: “Of course anything that helps people who are really struggling has to be welcomed. Labour has been calling for most of these for weeks but this is now too little too late.

“The whole ‘mini budget’ package is seriously damaging our country so it is incredible to hear Henry talking about it as a positive when most commentators, even members of his own Government, are describing Truss and Kwarteng as having trashed the country.

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"People here in Crawley are really suffering. Many are already having to choose between eating and heating and the cold weather isn’t even here yet. Our public services are on their knees, people struggle to see a GP, wait hours for ambulances, NHS waiting lists are at an all-time high and there are huge issues across education and social care that impact people every day.”