Aiming to solve a social and financial mess

But the budget measures are not just about solving the financial mess but also the social mess.

This budget needed to start an incentives shift in this country.

Labour's largesse has meant that we have all tolerated a degree of worklessness and welfare dependency that the founding fathers of the welfare state would be truly ashamed of.

The increase in personal allowances will take 880,000 people of out having to pay income tax altogether. That's a tangible step towards closing the poverty trap.

Restricting levels of housing benefit will send a signal that it's always worth working in this world.

As a local councillor I've met countless families who feel let down as they carry on working hard only to see those who don't bother reaping all the rewards.

In Tower Hamlets, we've paid one family £58,000 in housing benefit in just one year.

That's the entire amount paid in tax by 10 full time workers. It's not right; it's not affordable and it drives the wrong behaviour.

Tough times lie ahead but, hopefully, the country will come out stronger. A country that rewards work, rewards saving, protects the vulnerable and encourages enterprise.

- Tim Archer is Conservative councillor for
Blackwall & Cubitt Town Ward