CASTLE Point MP Rebecca Harris has welcomed announcements made in the Chancellor’s autumn statement.

Mrs Harris claims the changes announced by George Osborne on Wednesday will help unlock growth for businesses in the borough and help bring down the cost of living for scores of residents.

As part of the changes, the personal tax free allowance has increased to £9,440, meaning people keep more of the money they earn before income tax kicks in.

The 3p per litre fuel duty rise, set for January, was scrapped, the small business rate relief was extended for another year and the basic state pension will increase by £2.70 to £110.75 a week.

Mrs Harris said: “This is good news for my constituents. Families struggling to meet the costs of living will be better off for the tax cut. Pensioners will receive an increase in their basic state pension.  The cancellation of the fuel duty increase will help drivers; and many small businesses in Castle Point will benefit from the extension of the small business rate relief.

“Times are tough. But the economy is healing and the measures announced today will bring welcome support to families and businesses in Castle Point”.