PRIME Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband were in Rugby yesterday (Thursday November 27) to discuss the government’s Budget, announced the previous day.
The trio visited the Benn Partnership Centre to meet local residents, accompanied by the town’s MP, John Slinger.
Sir Kier spoke about plans to reduce energy bills by £150, increase the minimum wage, and expand support for families through breakfast clubs, free school meals, and childcare initiatives.
The three ministers joined Mr Slinger to chat with elderly residents, local business owners and parents with young children, who provided a range of perspectives on local and national issues.
Mr Slinger said: “It was a privilege to welcome the Prime Minister, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Energy Secretary to the Benn Partnership Centre in the heart of our town – one of their first visits following the budget.
“This wasn’t just a photo opportunity. My ministerial colleagues stayed for nearly two hours, engaging in meaningful conversations with members of the community. I am confident they will take these insights back to Westminster, as will I.
“We were all keen to hear people’s views on the Budget and discuss how we can work together to improve our community and our country. I would also like to thank the staff at the Benn Partnership Centre for being such wonderful hosts.”
Mr Slinger welcomed Budget measures to scrap the two-child benefit cap, which could lift 2,020 children in Rugby out of poverty, and a minimum wage increase which could benefit 2,900 low-paid workers in the town.
He also praised the Chancellor’s £820million Youth Guarantee to provide every young person a place in college, an apprenticeship, or personalised job support.
But he called for the government to go further with what he calls a ‘Youth Triple Lock’ – measures for young people such as free bus travel, increasing maintenance loans above inflation, or a voucher scheme for constructive activities.
He added: “When young people are written off, it costs all of us. Not just in benefits, but in lost potential, lost talent, and lost contribution to our communities.
“I’m delighted the Chancellor said this Labour Government is ‘on the side of kids and will back their potential’. Now I’m calling for a ‘Youth Triple Lock’ – three measures beyond the Youth Guarantee that would give a much needed boost to young people across a range of areas.
“Ending the two-child cap isn’t just anti-poverty, it’s pro-prosperity. It’s about life chances for all our children.”
He also welcomed lower tax rates which could benefit around 1,090 retail, hospitality, and leisure properties in Rugby, an average £150 drop in energy bills from April with savings of £300 for lower-income households, and the freezing of fuel duty, rail fares, and prescription charges.
