The Chancellor’s Budget confirms that the UK has the highest tax burden in 70 years and does nothing to address the fact that this will be the worst Parliament on record for living standards, according to the Office of Budget Responsibility.

Speaking to ITV Tyne Tees about the Government’s tax plan, Catherine commented: “It’s the old Tory con trick of take away ten pounds, give five pounds back and expect everyone to be grateful and I think it’s more about them desperately trying to shore up support before the next General Election.”

The Chancellor also announced a devolution deal for the North East. Although any further regional powers are welcome, this doesn’t go far enough or fast enough. Conservative Governments have failed the Tyne and Wear Metro and the announcement of a two-year renewals programme will not do enough to make it sustainable in the long term.

Following her appearance on ITV Tyne Tees, Catherine said:

“After fourteen years of economic mismanagement, crashing the economy and creating Rishi’s recession, this Budget offers no serious plan to save the country’s finances and create economic security. Taxes are up, prices are up and mortgages are up, all leaving households across Newcastle North worse off.

On top of this, growth forecasts have been downgraded and debt has almost tripled under the Tories. Tinkering around the edges, months before a General Election, does nothing to change this.