I was in the Chamber this week to hear the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, deliver his first Budget. This is always one of the great Parliamentary occasions. But I'm more interested in what it means for the people of Ipswich. And I was pleased that this Budget is great news for pensioners, families and children in Ipswich.

Over 9 million pensioner households nationwide and 17,560 households in Ipswich will get extra cash to pay their heating bills this year. And, 20,325 families in this area will gain from increases in Child Benefit.

I welcome the Budget focus on tackling two of the big issues of today - child poverty and climate change. Under Labour, we have had 10 years of economic stability and growth - we should never put that at risk.

The investment the Labour Government has made has supported many people in realising their potential. By maintaining a strong and stable economy we have been able to invest in our public services after years of underinvestment.

Today the global slowdown means we face uncertain economic times. The turbulence in the American mortgage market has touched economies all over the world - including ours. But here in Britain we are better placed than other countries and better placed than we ever were in the past to deal with this.

The Budget reports that the economy is resilient, continuing to grow. The Government is meeting its strict fiscal rules for the public finances.

So I support this responsible Budget to secure Britain's future in the face of global uncertainty.

Chris Mole MP

Key Achievements:

Ending Child Poverty-

Lifting 600,000 children out of poverty has been one of Labour's proudest achievements. Budget 2008 sets out new measures to lift 250,000 more children out of poverty:

• Raising the Child Tax Credit by £50
• Changing the riles for Housing and Council Tax Benefit to make the poorest working parents as much as £17 a week better off.
• Investing £125 million in innovative approaches to tackling child poverty.

Providing Dignity in Retirement-

Over 9 million pensioner households will benefit from extra cash to pay their heating bills this year. Budget 2008 will raise the Winter Fuel Payment that Labour has introduced:

• From £200 to £250 for 60s and over
• From £300 to £400 for 80s and over

Supporting Hard-Working Families-

Hard-working families have seen the benefits of ten years of stability: growing employment, low inflation and low interest rates. Labour will continue to provide the best support for families with children.

• Work to keep low inflation and interest rates
• Boost in Child Benefit to £20 a week

World-class education for all-

Labour's investment has seen young people achieve some of the best ever results. Labour remains committed to unlocking all the talents of all young people.

• £200 million to help those remaining failing schools achieve 5 A*-C grades at GCSE
• New opportunities for every person to gain the skills they need
• Increased investment to support links between business and Further Education colleges.

Tackling Climate Change:

Tackling climate change is one of the most significant challenges the world faces. Budget 2008 sets the foundation for Britain to further take the lead at home and abroad.

• Encouraging lower carbon homes and offices
• Giving incentives for motorists to purchase fuel efficient cars
• Committing to tough legal targets on emissions.