Jon Pearce MP for High Peak has welcomed measures in the Budget aimed at easing pressure on household bills, supporting working families and backing local businesses, including new parental pay for self-employed fathers – an issue he has campaigned on.
The Budget, delivered by Chancellor John Healey, sets out a package of measures intended to help families manage rising costs while investing in Britain’s long-term future.
Around 83% of homes in High Peak are in council tax bands A to D and will therefore be eligible for the new £100 Household Energy Payment this winter, providing direct support towards rising energy bills.
The Government has also announced plans to remove standing charges from household gas bills, with Ofgem tasked with delivering the change by the end of 2027 or as soon as possible afterwards. The temporary VAT cut on electricity will be extended until 30 June 2027, reducing the annual energy price cap by around £50.
Workers will benefit from a 3.9% increase in the National Living Wage, which will rise to £13.21 an hour from April 2027, while tariffs will be suspended on more than 100 food and drink products, including everyday supermarket favourites such as baked beans and chocolate.
The Budget also includes new support for self-employed fathers and partners, following campaigning for greater access to paid parental leave.
Around 80 self-employed dads a year in High Peak are estimated to be eligible for the new parental pay scheme, which will be worth up to £388.64 per qualifying parent. The measure is due to be introduced from April 2029 and will extend support to parents who have previously missed out because of their employment status.
Jon has previously highlighted the challenges faced by parents who cannot afford to take time away from work after the birth of a child, bringing together fellow MPs, the Dad Shift campaign and employers to discuss how paternity leave can be improved.
Local businesses will also benefit from changes to business rates, with the threshold for Small Business Rate Relief increasing from £12,000 to £18,000. The Government expects the change to take a further 70,000 retail, hospitality and leisure businesses across the country out of business rates altogether.
Commenting on the Budget, Jon Pearce MP said:
“We are making the long-term choices Britain needs: building more homes, backing British businesses and entrepreneurs, putting power in the hands of local communities, and investing in the technologies and national security that will shape our future.
“Families across High Peak are feeling the pressure of household bills, and it is important that people get practical support to help them manage those costs.
“With around 83% of homes in High Peak eligible for the £100 Household Energy Payment, this will provide direct help to local households this winter. Measures to tackle energy costs and reduce the price of everyday essentials will also make a difference.
“I’m particularly pleased to see support for self-employed dads included in the Budget. I have campaigned for better parental pay because becoming a parent should not mean having to choose between spending time with your newborn and being able to afford the bills.
“An estimated 80 self-employed dads in High Peak a year could benefit from this change. It is an important step towards ensuring more parents have the support they need at such a crucial time for their families.
“The Budget is about giving people breathing space for today and hope for the future, with measures to help ease the pressure on household finances and support working families. I will continue working to make sure High Peak gets the support it needs, from helping families with the cost of living to backing the local businesses that are at the heart of our communities.”
Chancellor John Healey MP said:
“This is a Budget for breathing space today and fresh hope for the future in High Peak.
“We are putting money back into the pockets of families, cutting costs for motorists and backing the shops, pubs and businesses at the heart of our communities.”