THE CHANCELLOR popped into Woodley last week, not to stock up on supplies but to gain inspiration for his forthcoming budget.
Jeremy Hunt will be addressing the nation on Wednesday, March 6, and is thought to be the last such speech before the general election which will be held later this year.
During his visit, he met Wokingham Conservatives leader and parliamentary candidate for Earley and Woodley, Pauline Jorgensen.
She took him on a tour of the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct, including visiting Woodley Pets and Crumbs Cafe.
“He spoke to local business owners about the challenges they are facing and the support on offer from the Treasury for small and medium businesses,” she said.
“I took the time to discuss with him the upcoming budget, and to ask him to ensure that he supports local businesses, particularly in simplifying tax schemes for smaller businesses.”
Cllr Jorgensen said small businesses were at the heart of the community and had been impacted by inflation, the covid pandemic, rising fuel costs and supply chain issues.
“It is vital that the Treasury thinks carefully about these impacts, and responds to the challenge set by our local businesses,” she added.
“I am confident that the Government is on the side of the people and businesses of Earley and Woodley.
“I’ll be continuing to lobby the Government for support for the constituency, and – if elected at the General Election – will make it my mission to fight for every single person and all of our businesses, and be the local champion that Earley and Woodley needs.”
It is the third such visit from ministers to the new constituency, which includes parts of Shinfield and Whitley, in recent weeks. The other ministers were education secretary Gillian Keegan and security minister Tom Tugendhat.
On each occasion, the national party did not invite any local media to attend.
