Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has today announced the Spring Budget.

Here are the biggest talking points relevant to Trafford.

Childcare

Hunt has offered 30 hours of free childcare per week to parents of children over nine months during term time – as long as both parents are working.

Previously, the 30 free hours have only applied to parents of three and four-year-olds.

The average cost of sending a child under two to nursery for 25 hours per week is £7,729 each year, according to children’s charity Coram.

Nurseries will see extra funding, rising to £288 million next year.

Fresh monetary incentives will also be offered to new childminders to try and get more people into the profession.

In October, protestors in Manchester joined those around the country in the March of the Mummies, a movement demanding childcare reform.

Over-50s

Hunt insisted that getting more over-50s into work is a priority as “older people are the most skilled and experienced people we have.”

A new type of apprenticeship, called “returnerships”, will be launched, and more financial and careers advice will be available.

He also announced that the pensions annual tax-free allowance will increase to £60,000 from £40,000 and the government will abolish the Lifetime Allowance in an aim to discourage early retirement.

The Chancellor said: “No country can thrive if it turns its back on such a wealth of talent and ability, but for too many, turning 50 is a moment of anxiety about the cliff edge of retirement rather than a moment of anticipation about another two decades of fulfilment.”

Energy bills help – for homes and businesses

The Energy Price Guarantee, which caps energy bills for a typical household at £2,500 per year, will be extended until the end of June.

These costs were due to rise to £3,000 from April, but that is now not the case in what will be a relief for families in Trafford struggling to heat their homes.

According to Hunt, this will save the average household £160 over the next three months.

Businesses will also benefit from energy tax relief.

The government will extend the Climate Change Agreement scheme for two years, allowing eligible businesses £600 million of tax relief on energy measures.

Trafford’s businesses have previously told The Messenger how “astronomical” energy prices have been threatening them, so the extra support will be welcome.

Beer tax frozen

Tax on draught beer in pubs will be frozen from 1st August this year as part of a “Brexit pubs guarantee”.

It means a pint should be cheaper as the duty in pubs will be 11p lower than that in supermarkets.

Hunt claimed it is a move the United Kingdom could not have taken while part of the European Union.

He quipped: “British ale may be warm, but the duty on a pint is frozen.”

Leisure centres and swimming pools

A £63 million fund is being provided to help “keep our public leisure centres and pools afloat.”

Just a month ago, it was revealed that Stretford Leisure Centre will get a multi-million pound makeover which will “totally transform” it.