ALMOST 100 people gathered to hear how the Spring Budget will affect them at a briefing by Salisbury's MP this morning.
John Glen answered business owners' and city residents' questions on the budget presented by Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday morning.
As well as being Salisbury's MP, Mr Glen is also the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, which means he is responsible for public expenditure.
Among the questions the MP faced were on inflation, pensions, and local development.
A guide to what was announced in the Budget and what it means for you
The Chancellor used his Budget to confirm free childcare support will be widened, extend household energy assistance and revamp the amount savers can have in their pensions before being taxed.
There were also benefit changes to encourage those on long-term sick leave back to work and investment incentives for businesses.
Read more: Salisbury business owners react to Spring Budget
Infrastructure and development
Mr Glen also addressed local issues such as footfall, the vacancy rate of the city centre, the River Park project and the roads infrastructure.
A study on the A36 that has been long in the making is due to be released soon, but the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel plans remain up in the air, although when the boundary changes come into effect, the A303 will no longer be within Mr Glen's constiuency.
Mr Glen has also been working on the plans for the hospital, and wants to see it made the top prioity in the south-west.
Employment and growth
Mr Glen said the biggest challenge for the Treasury is bringing inflation down and it is predicted to fall faster than previous forecasts.
Unemployment was also addressed - which is around 1.1 per cent higher than before the pandemic, and how there are 320,000 more inactive 50-64 year olds than before the pandemic.
The Chancellor is introducing incentives for people over the age of 50 to remain in work, and the pensions annual allowance is also being increased from 40k to 60k.
Mr Glen also joked that he is turning 50 next year, but that it is down to the electorate to decide whether he remains 'economically active' or not.
He was also asked about Brexit, and said although he did not vote for it, he is no longer interested in playing politics with the issue, but simply making the best of the situation.
The event was held at the Milford Hall Hotel and was put on by Moore South, Salisbury BID and the Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce.
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