Local MP Samantha Dixon has welcomed a series of measures announced in the Autumn Budget, including energy payments for households and a new scheme for first-time buyers.

Chancellor John Healey delivered his first Budget today (Wednesday 28 October), under new Labour PM Andy Burnham.

Opening his speech, the chancellor described the Budget as one "for the working people of Britain", outlining the Government's priorities of easing the cost of living, supporting British businesses and addressing challenges relating to energy, national security, public services and housing.

Among the measures announced was a one-off £100 Household Energy Payment for 20 million households in council tax bands A to D, at a cost of £2.6 billion.

The chancellor also confirmed plans to remove standing charges from household gas bills.

Other announcements included an increase in the National Minimum Wage for employees aged 21 and over, which is set to rise to £13.21 an hour from April 2027.

Plans to restrict the amount under-65s can pay into cash ISAs each year have also been dropped.

Samantha Dixon, MP for Chester North and Neston, welcomed the measures, describing them as "Labour decisions" intended to provide families with "much needed breathing space today", while making longer-term choices "needed to put the country on a better course".

In a statement, she said: "More than 37,000 households of Chester North & Neston will receive a Household Energy Payment of £100 to combat high winter energy bills, while local authorities across the country will receive an extra £100 million to further support households in need of greater support.

"Furthermore, standing charges on gas bills will be scrapped, charges that currently cost the average household £108 per year.

"The Chancellor has also given first-time buyers new support through Your First Home which will support more than 70,000 people in owning their first home."

The £4.7 billion Your First Home scheme aims to help around 70,000 households in England buy their first property through 20% equity loans for eligible first-time buyers.

Under the scheme, the minimum deposit requirement will be 2.5%, with a maximum deposit of 15%.

Pre-registration is due to open by the end of December 2026, with full applications expected from February 2027 and the first loans to be issued from April 2027.

The MP also highlighted measures intended to support businesses on high streets, alongside funding for children's reading and literacy.

She added: "The Government is backing high streets with a package which means that all retail, hospitality and leisure properties in England will see their business rates either frozen in real terms, reduced, or cut to zero.

"Finally, I was pleased to see the £15 million funding package to support initiatives to boost reading and literacy in children. This year, the National Year of Reading, has highlighted just how important it is to get children reading.

"These are Labour decisions, underpinned by fiscal discipline, and provide the foundations for growth while giving working people much needed support."