BROMSGROVE MP Sajid Javid has praised the recent budget, saying it ‘backs the next generation of Bromsgrovians’.

Reacting to George Osbourne’s comments that the British economy was strong because it had stuck to the course it had set out, Mr Javid said: “It’s fantastic that Britain is set to continue growing faster than any other major advanced economy in the world. It means more financial security for all of us.

“However, the Chancellor was clear that this is in the context of a ‘dangerous cocktail of global risks’, for which we must be prepared.”

The budget also announced a tax on sugary drinks aimed at reducing childhood obesity, with revenue for the tax used to encourage sport in schools.

He added: “This budget backs the next generation of Bromsgrovians. It says let’s be prepared for the future by cutting taxes on pay; by freezing fuel duty for the sixth year in a row; and by introducing a new ‘Lifetime ISA’ - so that we help young people save for their first home or for retirement.”

“I know the doubling of small business rate relief will also be a huge encouragement to our local businesses. Thanks to this measure, across the country, over 600,000 small businesses are set to pay no rates at all.”