Liberal Democrats in Harpenden have said they will hold the government’s "feet to the fire" in response to the Autumn Budget. 

In the wake of the announcements, Lib Dem MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, Victoria Collins, pledged to "keep fighting" on the issues that are a priorities for my constituents.

She said: "I’ll hold the government’s feet to the fire on funding local NHS services, addressing the social care crisis, supporting local businesses and reforming SEND services."

The Harpenden MP was recently appointed to the Lib Dem front bench.The Harpenden MP was recently appointed to the Lib Dem front bench. (Image: House of Commons) The MP issued a statement today, highlighting key points in the budget and how they may affect her constituency.

Firstly, MP Collins called for "cross-party talks" to fix social care, and better funding for local government.

The politician also expressed concerns about the strain tax increases will put on small businesses, calling for a "reform of the business rates system". 

She said: "We urgently need cross-party talks on social care and stronger action to fix this system.

“And, we need to see a lot more support for our local government and local businesses that are the backbone of high streets and local economies like that of Harpenden and Berkhamsted."

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The MP welcomed the Chancellor's announcement on increasing NHS investment but suggested she avoided the "elephant in the room" when addressing the social care crisis.

She said: "The extra funding for the NHS announced in the Budget yesterday must deliver improved services including extra GP appointments and reduced cancer waiting times." 

SEND services were also at the fore for the Harpenden MP. She was "pleased" to see an extra £1 billion pledged to SEND, but demanded more "long-term reform".

“An issue that I know remains a top priority for my constituents in Harpenden and Berkhamsted is accessing the healthcare they need," she commented.

"We know that to properly tackle the NHS crisis, we must fix the social care crisis and better support carers that make huge contributions both locally and nationally."