Last week was the first Labour budget in 15 years and the first ever from a woman!

It is a budget that starts to fix the foundations of the country and sets us up for the change that this Labour government promised. On a national level it's a budget that puts down the first few bricks as we set out to rebuild Britain. With these new measures, we will be able to get the NHS back up on its feet with a £25-billion boost, provide a shot in the arm for our schools with extra funding, a renewed focus and £1-billion for SEND, and invest in our transport and energy infrastructure, while making sure that people don't face higher taxes in their monthly payslips. In fact, we're increasing the national living wage for everyone. To £12.21 for most and to £10 per hour for 18 to 21 year olds.

Preserving the State Pension Triple Lock will make sure that over 12 million pensioners gain up to £475 next year.

On a local level the budget includes various pluses for Cornwall. The freeze in fuel duty is great for those of us who rely on a car with the guarantee of no rises at the pump next year. While local transport in rural areas will receive £650million, with the chancellor naming Cornwall in particular as an area that will benefit directly in terms of connectivity.

The £1 billion for the household support fund will provide the help needed to those struggling with the cost of living and the carers’ allowance recognises the hard work that our carers do while protecting their income

The Chancellor was facing a huge black hole in the finances and public services, including our NHS facing collapse. She made a choice not to let that happen, which is why taxes have been raised on non-doms, oil and gas companies, tax loopholes closed for private schools and employer national insurance increased. However, the government is choosing to protect small businesses by taking those that employ fewer than five people out of paying national insurance contributions altogether.

The government is also boosting public investment and next year will publish a new Industrial Strategy setting out high growth sectors where the UK has real competitive advantage.

And after much lobbying from the other Cornish Labour MPs and myself, the Government has recognised how important Shared Prosperity Funding is for Cornwall and has extended our investment funding for another year.

Of course, a budget of this size with the inheritance we were left by the Conservatives has not been easy. The Chancellor has chosen the bold path to save and rebuild our NHS, schools and other public services and invest in the infrastructure of the country while making sure people don’t face higher taxes in their paypackets. It’s a big budget of renewal and I believe our first female Chancellor has set us on the road to recovery and done us proud.

Jayne Kirkham

Labour MP for Truro and Falmouth