Flood-ravaged communities will get a £5.2BILLION windfall in Wednesday’s Budget

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FLOOD-ravaged communities will get a £5.2billion windfall to bolster their defences in this week’s Budget.

The record rescue package will be enough to protect 336,000 homes and businesses and is double the amount spent over the past six years.

Tewksbury, Gloucs and other flooded areas will get a £5.2bn windfall in Wednesday’s Budget

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s ‘Manifesto Budget’ will pump cash into neglected areas

Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s pledge will pay for 2,000 new flood and coastal defence schemes and put the Government on track to hit the funding level demanded by environment chiefs.

The schemes are set to reduce the risk across England by 11 per cent.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will also benefit.

Mr Sunak is also expected to announce a £120million Winter Defence Repair Fund to fix storm-damaged buildings and assets.

‘MANIFESTO BUDGET’

His “Manifesto Budget” will focus on areas neglected for decades — and aims to repay the trust of ex-Labour voters who backed Boris Johnson.

Mr Sunak is expected to use a £80billion fund to invest in road and rail, and revitalise rundown towns — without forgetting the PM’s vow not to hike taxes.

With interest rates low, he can afford extra borrowing.

A Tory source said: “Too many governments use the first Budget of a new Parliament to break promises, not honour them. But the People’s Government will do things differently.

“By levelling up Britain we can ensure everyone has the same chance and opportunities in life, wherever they live.

The Chancellor is expected to raise the threshold for National Insurance contributions to £9,500 from next month — saving taxpayers £100 a year.

 

He will peg fuel duty if sticking to the PM’s promises. The plastic bag fee is tipped to double to 10p.

Struggling pubs are hoping for a freeze in duty on beer and spirits.

Smokers can expect to fork out 30p extra for a £12.40 pack of 20 cigs.