STOURBRIDGE MP Suzanne Webb has welcomed the cut to business rates announced in today's Budget.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak announced a slash to business rates for 12 months in a bid to help hospitality, retailers, leisure and high streets hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

The announcement was part of a package of reforms, including a new scheme to support green investment with renewable purchases such as solar panels exempt from business rates.

The Chancellor also announced business rates improvement relief which will allow firms to make improvements to their property but pay no extra business rates for 12 months.

Small businesses will also receive an extension of business rate relief to 2023.

Suzanne said: “This package of measures really is a big shot in the arm for these important sectors and I am really pleased the Chancellor has listened to businesses who have been telling me the system needs reform.

"Having spoken to these sectors, I know they will particularly welcome the business rate improvement relief because it will allow firms to see the benefit of any investment and this should encourage more spending within businesses.

“Jobs, growth and wages are all up, and there is a pay rise for those on the National Living wage with an increase from £8.91 to £9.50 an hour from next year."

She added: “Inflation will remain a problem but The Chancellor has frozen fuel duty and increased the amount those on Universal Credit and in work can keep to help with this in the months to come.

“We also continue to see investment in the NHS, infrastructure and public services – all of which will benefit people in Stourbridge and across the West Midlands as we recover from the pandemic.

"I am pleased with this budget. It supports my job, jobs, jobs priority for Stourbridge."