Today I set out the Autumn Statement and my message is clear: our long-term economic plan is working, but the job is not yet done.
We are working through the plan to secure a responsible recovery for all.
Thanks to the sacrifice and endeavour of the British people, the economy is recovering.
The deficit is down, debt will fall sooner, businesses have created 1.4 million new jobs, and the growth forecast for this year has more than doubled.
- We have been able to offer a £1,000 discount in business rates to shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs as part of a wider programme of help for the high street and support for businesses.
- We have been able to freeze fuel duty, to get energy bills down, and to freeze rail fare rises.
- As part of a youth package, we have been able to abolish the jobs tax for employers hiring people under 21. There will be a university place for anyone with the right grades, and through our welfare reforms we are giving young people the skills they need to succeed.
- We are also recognising marriage in the tax system.
The single biggest risk to the recovery comes from the Labour Party who call for us to abandon our plan, to borrow more and to spend more. That is exactly what got us into this mess.
But there is still more to do. We need to keep on working through the plan. That is why we are legislating to cap welfare, making sure we fix the roof when the sun is shining by running a surplus and keeping public spending under control.
You can find out more about what the Autumn Statement means for you at this website.
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Thanks,
George Osborne