Welwyn Hatfield MP Grant Shapps has said today’s Budget is “a move away from the danger zone” and a step towards Britain’s economic recovery.

The housing and local government minister said his Government’s announcement today would “encourage businesses to start-up and flourish”, while ensuring international businesses stay in Britain thanks to more efficient tax measures.

“Last year, we were looking at going the same way as Ireland and Greece,” Mr Shapps said. “This budget is a move away from the danger zone, towards a budget for recovery.”

In the House of Commons today (Wednesday), Chancellor George Osborne announced a consultation over plans to merge National Insurance and income tax in order to simplify employers’ paperwork.

“We need to make sure businesses are paying taxes that will encourage them to come to this country and stay on these shores,” Mr Shapps said.

“It’s important for Welwyn Hatfield, as we have a lot of international businesses here, such as Roche and Eisai.”

Mr Osborne also announced a �250m housing package, to help first time-buyers get on the property ladder.

“The �250m will help more than 10,000 homes, and I hope some people from welwyn hatfield will also benefit,” Mr Shapps said.