There was a mixed reaction from business and politicians in mid-Essex to Wednesday's budget.

With the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing a package of around £5 billion, much of it aimed at helping families, with more for hospitals and schools, political supporters and opponents have been quick to put their interpretations on it.

West Chelmsford Tory MP Simon Burns described it as an election bribing budget which was not as attractive as it superficially seemed, taking into account the "stealth taxes" of the past four years which had affected his constituents.

"The Chancellor has put up taxes to them by the equivalent of 10 pence, and reduced taxes for a general election by the equivalent of one penny," added Mr Burns.

Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate for Maldon and East Chelmsford, Russell Kennedy, said it was a sound and sustainable budget for all. "The Chancellor has shown the priority of this government is to boost the incomes of all and to invest in our nation's resources, public services, children and families.

"These tax cuts are affordable and fair."

The Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for West Chelmsford, Stephen Robinson, said "Labour should stop double counting.

''Most of today's extra spending is simply money they failed to spend last year. The Liberal Democrats' fully costed alternative budget would deliver more teachers, nurses, police officers and a fair deal for pensioners.

"The reality of this budget is £3.5 billion of tax cuts and only £0.5 billion for schools and hospitals."

By Kathleen Corby

Reporter's e-mail: kathleen.corby@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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