The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, delivered his highly anticipated Budget speech on Wednesday, and while it may have lacked any major surprises, its impact on Kent is set to be significant. The county, known for its picturesque countryside and bustling towns, is home to a diverse population with a range of needs and expectations. So, how has the Budget been received by the people of Kent? We took a closer look at the reactions from around the county.

One of the key announcements in the Budget was the extension of the furlough scheme until the end of September. This news has been welcomed by many businesses in Kent, who have been struggling to survive during the pandemic. The owner of a small family-run restaurant in Canterbury, Sarah Jones, expressed her relief at the extension, saying, “This will give us the much-needed breathing space to get back on our feet and hopefully, welcome back our loyal customers soon.”

The Budget also included a range of measures to support businesses, including an extension of the business rates holiday and a new “super deduction” tax break for companies investing in new equipment. These initiatives have been praised by the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, who believe they will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. Jo James, Chief Executive of the Chamber, stated, “The Chancellor has clearly listened to the concerns of businesses in Kent and has taken decisive action to support them. This will help to create jobs and drive economic growth in the county.”

Another significant announcement in the Budget was the freezing of fuel duty for the 11th consecutive year. This decision has been welcomed by drivers in Kent, who have been facing rising fuel prices in recent years. John Smith, a taxi driver in Maidstone, expressed his gratitude, saying, “This is a huge relief for us drivers, especially during these tough times. It means we can continue to provide our services without having to worry about the rising cost of fuel.”

The Budget also focused on supporting the education sector, with a range of initiatives aimed at helping students catch up on lost learning due to the pandemic. This includes a £700 million fund for tutoring and summer schools, as well as a one-off payment of £302 million for schools to help with catch-up costs. The Headteacher of a secondary school in Folkestone, Mark Evans, believes these measures will have a positive impact on students in Kent. He stated, “This extra funding will enable us to provide much-needed support to our students, who have faced significant disruptions to their education. It will help us to bridge the gap and ensure they have the best chance of success.”

The Budget also included measures to support the housing market, with the extension of the stamp duty holiday until the end of June and the introduction of a new mortgage guarantee scheme. These initiatives have been welcomed by first-time buyers in Kent, who have been struggling to get onto the property ladder. Emily Brown, a young professional from Ashford, shared her excitement, saying, “This is a game-changer for me and many others like me. It means we can finally take that first step towards owning our own home.”

In addition to these measures, the Budget also included plans to invest in infrastructure and create new jobs in Kent. This includes the development of a new Freeport in the Thames Estuary, which is expected to bring in billions of pounds in investment and create thousands of new jobs. The Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough, believes this will have a significant impact on the county, stating, “The Freeport will provide a major boost to our economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and residents in Kent.”

Overall, the Budget may have lacked any major surprises, but its impact on Kent is set to be significant. From supporting businesses and the education sector to providing relief for drivers and first-time buyers, the measures announced by the Chancellor are expected to have a positive impact on the county and its residents. As we continue to navigate through these challenging times, the Budget has provided a much-needed ray of hope for the people of Kent.