Wooing Corbynistas? Philip Hammond gives HUGE boost to young voters in Budget 2017
YOUNGER voters have been targeted in Philip Hammond’s Budget with a boost to the National Living Wage, extra funding for schools and sixth-form colleges and help with housing.
The Conservatives were taken by surprise by a surge in support for Labour by younger voters at the last General Election and Mr Hammond seemed determined to offer as much as possible to the so-called "millennials" this time round.
But there was very little to interest middle-aged or older voters with no major annoncements on pensions.
The Chancellor acknowledged that younger people were struggling to find affordable housing so announced the scrapping of stamp duty for first time buyers on properties up to £300,000 with immediate effect.
The measure will also apply on the first £300,000 of a purchase in high-price areas, meaning 95 per cent of first-time buyers will see at least a cut in the amount of stamp duty, with 80 per cent paying none at all.
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Mr Hammond said: "This is our plan to deliver on the pledge we have made to the next generation that the dream of home ownership will become a reality in this country once again.
"And to put the needs of our young people first, we will ensure that councils in high demand areas permit more homes for local first time buyers and affordable renters.
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The Chancellor also gave a boost to lower earners when he announced the National Living Wage would rise by 4.4 per cent from £7.50 an hour to £7.83. The increase will be introduced next April.
And promising to "invest to secure a bright future for Britain”, the Chancellor set out a £177 million plan to give schools and sixth forms in England £600 for every additional student taking A-level maths or core maths qualifications.
A £42 million fund will also support £1,000 of training for every teacher in selected schools in areas that have "fallen behind".
The Chancellor also confirmed plans floated over the weekend for a new discounted railcard for 26 to 30-year-olds, slated for launch in April 2018.
He said: “One of the things I love most about this county is its sense of opportunity. I have always felt it.
“And I want young people today to grow up with that same sense of boundless opportunity.
“In this Budget I have set out a vision for Britain’s future, and our plan for delivering it.”
