The Spring Budget announced by the Chancellor today fails to tackle the problems faced by many people in Devon, according to Richard Foord, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton.

Jeremy Hunt outlined measures clearly designed to appeal to voters ahead of this year's General Election. He said the Budget will 'grow the economy' and deliver 'better public services'.

But Richard Foord said: “Today’s budget was a missed opportunity, as this Conservative Government limps desperately towards the finish line.

“Their flagship announcement of cutting National Insurance does nothing for pensioners and those on fixed incomes, who have already been squeezed by high inflation and rising bills.

“There was also almost nothing in it for the NHS and care services, many of which are hard-pressed. Local communities are seeing their services wilting around them, while the Chancellor looks the other way.

“This was a missed opportunity to properly support our public services. We need people who are out of work due to ill health can get the care they need in order to return to work, pay taxes and be part of improved public services.

“But what we need most of all is an election - so voters have the chance to relegate this out-of-touch government and vote for real change.”