Sarah today welcomed the Chancellor’s Budget as a commitment to economic stability, opportunity and security for all.

The 2008 Budget set out key measures to help lift 250,000 children out of poverty, and an extra boost of £50 to over 60’s households and £100 for over 80’s households on top of the Winter Fuel Payment, taking the Payment to £300 and £400 respectively.

Sarah said:

"The world economy is facing difficult times, this budget proves that thanks to Labour, Britain is well placed to weather the storms ahead.  Today’s Budget is great news for pensioners, families and children. Over 9 million households nationwide and 16,090 households in Portsmouth North will get extra cash to pay their heating bills this year. And 11,605 families in this area will gain from the increases in Child Benefit."

“Labour’s budget is in marked contrast to the Tories uncosted spending commitments and cuts.  Even in difficult economic circumstances, the Government is committed to helping hard working families and pensioners, unlike the Tory years when there were 3 million unemployed and pensioner poverty.”

“I welcome Labour’s 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 – let’s not put that at risk.”