CATHERINE Fookes, MP for Monmouthshire, has welcomed the UK Government’s latest Budget, describing it as “a budget with fairness at its heart” and highlighting several major wins for families, workers, and businesses across the county.

One of the most significant announcements is the removal of the two-child benefit cap, a policy introduced by the previous government, which Catherine said would make a transformative difference to families.

The change is expected to benefit around 1,200 children in Monmouthshire, while nationally lifting 450,000 children out of poverty.

Catherine Fookes, MP said: “This is why I came into politics, to ensure fairness and that those who are most vulnerable in society get the support they need to thrive.”

The Budget also brings further support to the cost of living. From April 2026, households will save around £150 through the removal of certain levies from energy bills. The Warm Home Discount expansion means six million households will receive an additional £150 meaning some families could save up to £300 in total.

Both workers and pensioners will also receive a boost. The minimum wage for 18–20-year-olds will rise to £10.85, and the National Living Wage will increase to £12.71.

The state pension will rise by 4.8 per cent, maintaining the commitment to the triple lock.

Monmouthshire and the wider region are also set to benefit from major economic investment. The creation of the South Wales AI Growth Zone will bring more than 5,000 new jobs to the area over the next decade, strengthening the UK’s role as a global leader in AI and building on South Wales’ growing tech sector.

This includes the £10 million investment to support highly skilled jobs in the semiconductor cluster, a move Catherine says will benefit businesses along the tech corridor between Magor and Caldicot.

Monmouthshire will also directly benefit from £1.5 million allocated through the Pride in Place scheme, funding efforts to revive high streets and community spaces across the county.

“This Budget builds on last year’s, which gave Wales its highest settlement ever under devolution. With nearly £1 billion in additional spending power next year and nearly £5 billion in extra support agreed earlier this year. This shows the power of two Labour governments working together for Wales.”