Tanweer Khan

I've just left the Commons Chamber following the Budget, and here's the important news for Ilford South. ✅ Around 1,466 properties in Redbridge and 561 in Barking & Dagenham are estimated to benefit from a business rates freeze for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties. ✅ We're increasing Small Business Rates Relief thresholds, meaning around 33% of retail, hospitality and leisure properties across London will pay no business rates at all. But today's Budget goes further, delivering for people across Ilford South: ⚡ Help with energy bills: A £100 payment this winter to eligible households in Council Tax Bands A–D. 💡 Keeping energy costs down: Extending 0% VAT on electricity until July 2027, and reforming gas standing charges. 🏫 Supporting our children: Five primary schools in Ilford South have received funding for breakfast clubs: Cleveland Road, Uphall, Gordon, Chadwell and South Park Primary Schools. 🏡 Helping first-time buyers: The new Your First Home programme will help eligible buyers onto the property ladder. 👨‍👩‍👧 Backing working families: Expanding parental pay from April 2029 to support self-employed fathers, partners and adopters. Today's Budget is about supporting our high streets, easing pressure on household bills, investing in our children and helping more people build a secure future. I know how hard families and local businesses across Ilford South are working, and I will continue making sure their voices are heard in Parliament. A Budget that backs our businesses, supports our families and delivers for Ilford South.

Ahead of Living Wage Week 2026, it was a pleasure to meet with Stephen and Bernie from @RedbridgeCit to discuss the importance of the real Living Wage. I look forward to working with them to help more workers benefit from fair pay and to encourage more employers to become Living Wage accredited.