Budget is real chance to change course after let downs by Tories

With just a week to go until the Budget, families, workers and pensioners across the Jarrow and Gateshead East constituency will be watching closely-and I will keep demanding more from Ministers.

- Kate Osborne

Many letters and emails in my mailbox contain accounts from constituents about the pressures they are facingrising costs, insecure work, stretched public services, and a social security system that no longer gives people the protection or dignity they deserve.

We know that the cost of living crisis is the number one issue facing people in the UK-people are still facing increasing costs and seven million people in Britain are unable to afford essentials like food, energy, and toiletries.

After decades of ideologically-driven austerity cuts under the previous Tory government, this Budget must deliver fairness and improve the lives of the people in this country.

Let's be very clear the UK is the sixth largest economy in the world-we have the wealth to tackle these crises - we need the political will to do so.

Of course, right up to the last minute, I will be lobbying the Chancellor, the Prime Minister and Ministers for more for the North East, for a wealth tax and a windfall tax on profits that would enable billions to be raised to invest in our communities and public services.

And I will be lobbying very specifically on a number of things that I know matter hugely to my constituents.

Specifically, the Budget must include the removal of the cruel two-child limit on benefits. This policy is now the biggest driver of rising child poverty across the UK.