Last week at the Spring Statement, the government had an opportunity to provide a real support package for the people of Bolton.

The Chancellor failed this test comprehensively and it is my hard working and vulnerable constituents who will lose out.

The Spring Statement’s headline policies include a 5p cut to fuel duty, a 1p reduction to income tax by 2024, and a VAT cut on solar panels and heat pumps.

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, this package fails to acknowledge the seriousness of the crisis we face.

Many are living through the greatest squeeze on living standards since 1970, yet the Chancellor spends his time doing photo opportunities instead of getting on with the job at hand – supporting and protecting the British people.

In my constituency, 30 per cent of households do not have access to a car. Not withstanding the fact the cut will save people just £2.50 per tank, it fails to support those households on the lowest incomes who overwhelmingly rely on public transport.

Nothing was done for recipients of Universal Credit, who now face increased hardship because of soaring inflation. Nothing was done to provide support for energy bills which are rising by around £700.

Nothing was done for people earning below £12,570.

Most worryingly, Sunak went ahead with the 1.25 per cent National Insurance rise.

You wouldn’t be criticised for wishing this was announced on April 1 as an April fool – a 10 per cent increase in the levy is astonishing.

Budget for growth - Rishi Sunak

Budget for growth - Rishi Sunak

What’s more, this National Insurance rise comes less than three years on from the last general election where the Conservatives promised not to raise National Insurance. You simply cannot trust this government.

Sunak resisted Labour’s calls for a windfall tax on privatised oil and gas utilities who have amassed profits of over £30bn.

Landlords with multiple buy-to-let properties face no increased taxation under the proposed plans, nor do Big Tech or tax avoiders.

Instead, as always with the Conservatives, they turn to raising taxes on those already struggling, rather than those at the top.

After Covid-19, we have a unique opportunity to reshape Britain.

We can properly fund our NHS, public services, and welfare, by taxing those with the broadest shoulders, whilst supporting those at the bottom.