Local MP Simon Hart has welcomed the Government's Budget with its support for jobs and growth in Pembrokeshire. The immediate cut in fuel duty will also help families in the county cope with the cost of living.

"I'm delighted that a penny per litre has already been cut at petrol pumps across Pembrokeshire and that April's inflation rise in duty has been delayed until next January," said Mr Hart. "This means fuel duty is 6 pence lower than it would be under Labour. We are also introducing a 'fair fuel stabiliser' which means when the oil price is high tax rises will be limited to inflation at most.

"We are also cutting income tax for millions, slashing red tape for businesses, helping first time buyers and boosting entrepreneurs.

"Last year's Budget brought Britain back from the brink of bankruptcy," added Mr Hart. "The Government is right to stick to the plan to get Britain living within its means and I am delighted that the Chancellor didn't have to come back for more. Instead this year's Budget sets out plans to back enterprise and get Britain making things again.

Key measures in the Budget to boost growth include:

• Tax cuts for businesses and entrepreneurs, aimed at getting more new businesses off the ground in Pembrokeshire.
• Scrapping burdensome regulations
• Radical reform of the planning system
• New investment in science and innovation; and
• More support for young people with additional apprenticeships and work experience places.

To help families in Pembrokeshire facing the rising cost of living, the Budget will also:

• Immediately cut fuel duty by 1 pence per litre and delay April's inflation rise in duty to next January. This means fuel duty is 6 pence lower than it would be under Labour.
• Introduce a Fair Fuel Stabiliser to tax oil companies more to stop above inflation rises in fuel duty
• Increase the Personal Allowance from by a further £630 from April 2012. That's another real increase of £48 extra per year, or £126 in cash terms. Together with this year's rise, that means a total of £326 extra each year for those working hard to support their families. And it means, just ten months into office, this coalition Government has taken 1.1 million low paid people out of tax altogether.