THE MP for Frome and East Somerset has responded after Rachel Reeves revealed the Labour Government's 2024 Budget plans.

Anna picked on several points made during Rachel Reeves' talk today (October 30), mainly discussing the future of the NHS, broadband, and local businesses in Somerset.

Questioning the budget, Anna said: “While I welcome some of the measures announced today, it worries me that the Government doesn’t understand areas like the rural South West, as we’ve seen from decisions on policies like bus fares, business rates and agricultural property relief.”

Anna was elected in 2024 after a career in business and the charity sector.

As Frome & East Somerset's first ever MP, Anna is leading campaigns to improve road safety locally and at a national level.

She is also looking at the different ways improvements can be made to rural access to services like buses, pharmacies and broadband.

The NHS:

Anna has made it clear that the NHS may continue to struggle if nothing is done after the "damage" by the conservatives.

Anna said: "NHS funding, which the Lib Dems have been calling for to help repair the damage done by the Conservatives, is welcomed. 

"But unless this is rolled out in terms of real commitments to reduce waiting times for GP and dentist appointments and proper funding is given locally to NHS dentists, it is not sufficient to counteract what has been allowed to become a dental desert here in Somerset."

Local councils:

Whilst extra funding for local councils was announced, Anna is calling for more details on plans for how the council investment split is happening and wants assurances that it will go beyond the mayoral city councils and that the southwest will see proper investment in our councils and communities.

The MP joined Somerset as an MP back in July, three years after the unitary council system was introduced in 2020.

Broadband:

It was also announced that £500 million will go towards improving broadband across the country “including rural areas”, however, this statement needs to be clarified as to what rural areas are included.

Anna Sabine is calling on the government to commit to ensuring that areas like Frome and East Somerset will benefit from this as broadband is a crucial tool for rural businesses and individuals alike. 

At the moment Frome & East Somerset has double the national average of residents unable to receive decent broadband.

Discussing the broadband in Somerset, something the MP feels strongly about, Anna said: “For too long Somerset and the needs of the west country have been ignored to focus on cities in other areas of the country.

"Whilst the chancellor’s words sound good, we need to be assured that the roll out of these funding pledges will actually reach areas like ours, and not just Labour voting cities in the Midlands and North."

Small businesses:

Thinking of the smaller businesses in Somerset, Anna said: "The budget is disappointingly hugely impactful on small businesses.

"The increase in the National Insurance, as well as increase in national wage combined with a dramatic cut to tax relief for those in retail, hospitality and leisure sectors, means small businesses are being hit on three fronts and means keeping small businesses open will be an increasing struggle under these new measures."

The Lib Dems would obtain an increase national funds through the reversal of Conservative tax cuts for big banks and tech giants rather than seeking it from small business owners.

“It’s disappointing to see the Labour Government target small businesses in this way.

Anna is particularly concerned about the measures such as the family farm tax which risks becoming a disaster in a rural area such as Frome and East Somerset.

Anna added: "Local high street businesses and hard working farming families, already struggling are going to find themselves battling to stay afloat under these measures and it’s entirely unfair that they should pay the price.

"I am committed to remaining a strong voice for our rural communities and scrutinising these changes as they move through Parliament.

"I am standing by Lib Dem’s previous demands for extra funds to support our farmers and small businesses and this remains a key priority for me moving forward."