A fairer deal for rural communities has been demanded ahead of the Chancellor's Budget.
North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan called for action on tax, investment, and public services in a message to Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of Wednesday’s Budget announcement.
She said the Government’s approach had neglected areas like Shropshire for too long and stressed that change was overdue.
Ms Morgan said: "Local small businesses have been hit hard by the Government’s increase in National Insurance Contributions, and there needs to be much greater support for our high streets, often the lifeblood of the community.
"To make matters worse, rural areas and market towns have so often been overlooked when it comes to investment in public transport or the state of the roads, with funding diverted to metropolitan areas and cities.
"We need to see investment in better local healthcare provision, so people aren’t having to wait a long time to see a GP or for an ambulance in an emergency.
"We need to see enhanced funding for councils and policing in rural areas, which recognises the impact of delivering services in our county.
"Wherever I go in North Shropshire, it's really clear that the economy at the moment isn't really working for anyone.
"We all want to see the same things – good public services and a fair tax system, and yet that's not what's happening."
This year’s Budget presents a significant challenge for Reeves, who is struggling to balance the books in the face of stagnant growth and spiralling national debt and the prospect of tax rises looms large.
She said: "Labour have taken all the wrong decisions when trying to sort that mess out.
"They've raised the Family Farm Tax, they've taxed our businesses by putting up National Insurance Contributions for employers, and they've hit the most vulnerable with things like removing the winter fuel payment.
"These are all terrible decisions."
The Liberal Democrats recently urged the Chancellor to slash VAT by 5% for pubs, restaurants, entertainment and accommodation venues.
The party has also pushed for some environmental levies to be removed from household electricity bills.
Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper has said the party's £12 billion cost-of-living plan would put £270 back in people's pockets.
Ms Morgan said: "What we're calling for at this Budget is to see our high streets revitalised, our farms supported by cutting the Family Farm Tax and people made better off by cutting energy bills.
"I really hope that the Chancellor will listen to Liberal Democrats in the run up to the budget and ensure that rural areas get the investment that they need and the fair tax system that we all deserve."
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