A borough MP has praised the Autumn Budget for providing "essential relief" for low-income families.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, has welcomed the budget, saying it addresses "long-standing issues of poverty and inequality across the UK".
Ms Abrahams said it introduces "essential measures to provide financial security to millions of low-income individuals and families who have long struggled to meet basic needs".
One of the key highlights of the budget is the increase in the national living wage to £12.21 per hour.
This adjustment is aimed at easing the "financial strain" for the 8.2 million people in work but still in poverty, and supporting more than 3m children from working families facing hardship.
The budget also aims to address the issue of financial deductions from Universal Credit, which previously placed an undue burden on recipients.
These deductions will now be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent of the standard allowance, providing weekly relief for those reliant on the service.
The budget also announced that personal tax thresholds, which are currently frozen, will unfreeze in 2028.
This is aimed at "strengthening the link" between work and economic rewards.
An effort to reduce "economic inactivity" through a "localised, holistic employment support initiative" was also announced.
This initiative focuses on providing assistance for the 9.26m working-age "economically inactive" individuals by "tackling a range of barriers" that currently exclude people from work, education, or training.
The budget also raises the Carer’s Allowance earnings threshold limit to £196 per week.
This increase will allow family carers to work without risking their allowance, better supporting their dual roles as caregivers and economic contributors.
The budget also commits to NHS investment.
By investing in improving health, the aim is to improve individual health and the ability to work and contribute to society.
Ms Abrahams noted that findings from the Northern Health Science Alliance estimated a "potential £13.2bn annual productivity boost" if Northern England's health were on par with the rest of the country.
Despite her overall support, Ms Abrahams raised concerns about the use of AI to detect fraud and asked for reassurances on safeguards being incorporated.
She also inquired whether additional mitigations were being considered with the introduction of restricted eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment and highlighted the need for greater support for disabled people in the workplace and for those unable to work, recognising the cuts in support over the past 14 years.
Ms Abrahams said: "While this budget takes meaningful first steps towards a fairer society, with health and wellbeing at its core, and a flourishing economy, there remains work to be done to ensure we build on this.
"A fairer society benefits everyone."
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