What the Budget means for Scarborough and Whitby households

Alison Hume said the payment, which will be made to households in council tax bands A to D, was one of the standout measures in Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Ms Hume said around 47,000 properties in Scarborough and Whitby were expected to benefit.

She said: “That’s going to be so appreciated by my constituents in Scarborough and Whitby.

“I think it’ll affect around 47,000 properties. That will make a huge difference.”

The Budget also included plans to abolish gas standing charges, extend a VAT cut on electricity bills and reform carers’ allowance rules.

Under the changes, unpaid carers will no longer lose their entire allowance if their earnings rise above the current threshold.

Ms Hume said: “That was a cliff edge and that’s going to be a taper.

“So that’s a big win for the fantastic people who give up so much of their lives to look after loved ones.”

The comments came after the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast inflation would remain above the Bank of England’s target for several years.

Asked why residents should believe support such as the £100 payment would not simply be swallowed up by rising prices, Ms Hume said the Government recognised the continuing pressure on household finances.

“I think people understand that conflict in the Middle East and Europe is affecting prices,” she said.

“This is a government that understands people are really groaning with the cost of living and we’ve put some things in place.”

The Budget also included a new first-time buyer ISA, additional funding for social and affordable housing and support aimed at reducing homelessness.

Ms Hume said the measures would help those without access to family wealth get onto the property ladder.

“For people who haven’t got the bank of mum and dad, being able to get some help buying your first house, I think that’ll be welcome,” she said.

She also welcomed an increase in the threshold for small business rates relief from £12,000 to £18,000, saying it would benefit businesses across her constituency.

However, opposition parties criticised the Budget, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing Labour of being “addicted to welfare” and relying on higher spending rather than tackling the benefits bill.

Responding, Ms Hume said: “I think that’s an absolute cheek.

“For the Tories to criticise it when they sat over a ballooning welfare bill is quite, frankly, unbelievable.”

When asked what residents were most likely to notice as a result of the Budget, the MP pointed to the energy support payment.

“They’ll notice the £100 in their bank accounts to help them with bills,” she said.

David Skaith, the elected Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said the Budget would provide “breathing space” for families and businesses and welcomed measures giving mayors greater control over investment decisions.

He said more local decision-making would mean more money raised in the region could be spent in York and North Yorkshire rather than being directed from Westminster.