CHANCELLOR George Osborne’s Budget has split opinion among Hampshire’s MPs.

Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs in the county said tens of thousands of taxpayers would be better off when the personal allowance rises to £10,500 next year.

But Labour MP John Denham, who represents Southampton Itchen, said: “It is quite clear that this was a Budget from a Government that is out of touch with the lives of ordinary hard-working families.

“They will be £1,600 a year worse off than they were when David Cameron became Prime Minister.”

He said the Budget should have focused more on reducing energy bills and the cost of childcare for hard-up families.

His views were echoed by Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton Test, who said: “David Cameron’s Government is giving with one hand but taking away much, much more with the other.”

Daily Echo: Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead criticised the Budget

He added that tax and benefit changes since 2010, including the change to the personal allowance, have left families on average £891 worse off this year.

But Winchester and Chandler’s Ford’s Tory MP, Steve Brine, said tens of thousands would benefit in Hampshire.

Benefits “This tax cut is excellent news for the people I represent and I’ve argued passionately for this policy within Government since I was elected.

“That means a huge number of people locally keeping more of the money they’ve worked hard to earn which they will no doubt spend locally and that benefits us all one way or another.”

Daily Echo: Caroline Nokes

Conservative MP Caroline Nokes said the Budget would boost economic security

Tory Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, said the Budget was good news for savers.

She said: “Savers have had a hard time in recent years and it’s time Britain helped them out.

“These radical changes will help boost economic security for people who work hard and save hard – and show that the Conservative Party is on your side.”

Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, Mike Thornton, said more than 42,000 would be £800 better off in his constituency as a result of the personal allowance change.

“This tax cut is the real budget boost for working people and would not have happened without Lib Dems in Government creating a stronger economy and a fairer society.”

Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage said the Budget will help workers, savers and businesses right across her constituency.

“This Budget has delivered good news for Gosport, Stubbington, Lee-on-the-Solent and Hill Head.

“With extended tax breaks at Daedalus and reduced costs for manufacturers, I am confident that today’s announcements will help to stimulate growth and prosperity in our area.”