''This is a positive Budget which lays the foundations for a more dynamic, highly-skilled, global Britain and which reflects increased growth forecasts for this year.
I'm particularly pleased that the Chancellor has listened to my call for action on adult social care and business rates. Last week I spoke out in Parliament calling on the Government to ‘bite the bullet’ and increase social care funding to address the pressures, including from an ageing population. I'm delighted the Chancellor has committed an additional £2 billion for social care. That will make a difference here on the ground in Cheltenham.
I’m pleased too that the Chancellor agreed that almost all Cheltenham pubs should now receive a £1,000 discount on their 2017 Council Tax bill. He also announced that all small businesses coming out of Small Business Relief will have their increases capped at £50 a month in 2017, and CBC will get a share of a new £300 million fund to target the hardest hit businesses in the town.
I also welcome the Chancellor's £500 million investment in technical education, as well as funding for a further 100 new free schools. I’ll be lobbying for Cheltenham to be at the front of the queue.''