Cllr Howard Sykes, Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, has welcomed several of the key announcements made in last Thursday’s Autumn Statement as “good news for Oldham”.
Cllr Sykes said: “Oldham’s Liberal Democrats were particularly happy to hear that a free midday meal will soon be provided to every primary school pupil and disadvantaged college student; that local employers taking on young people will get a break from National Insurance contributions; and that small business and retailers will receive more support.”
“These measures will be especially welcomed by families on low-incomes, young adults who are seeking work, and small businesses, especially those that are newly established.”
“These practical measures have been brought about as a result of the influence of Liberal Democrat ministers in Government.”
“Access to school meals has been proven to lift the performance of pupils, which in the long-term must improve the employment prospects of these children when they become young adults, and support for employers and small businesses will help reduce unemployment in Oldham and boost our local economy.”
“Together, they represent a significant investment that will help ‘Get Oldham Working’”.
Notes
1. Free School Meals: The Government announced additional funding of over £1 billion over 2 years to provide free school meals for all infant school pupils and also for disadvantaged college students from Sept. 2014. 9,800 infant school pupils in Oldham will benefit from the free school meals provision. £150 million will also be made available to ensure that schools can build new kitchens or dining rooms where necessary.
2. National Insurance Breaks: Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (NICs) will be abolished in April 2015 for under 21-years-olds earning up to £16,000 per annum. For example, companies will save £1,000 each year for every young employee earning £16,000. There are currently 5,460 employees under 21 working in Oldham.
3. Support for Businesses: The business rate rise in 2014-15 will be capped at 2 per cent instead of 3.2 per cent (the increase in the September 2013 Retail Prices Index). Small business rate relief will be extended an extra year to 31st March 2015. There will be a discount of up to £1000 against business rates bill for retail premises such as pubs, cafes, restaurants and charity shops with a rateable value of up to £50,000 in 2014-15 and 2015-16. There will be a 50 per cent discount from business rates for new occupants of previously occupied retail premises for 18 months. Businesses will be able to pay rates over 12 months rather than 10 from 2014.