Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement has won a thumbs up from Fay Jones.

The Brecon and Radnorshire MP says it was a fair and balanced package – sharing the burden of the impact of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the cost of living challenge.

She welcomes the Chancellor’s decision to protect the pensions triple lock and to increase benefits in line with inflation as well as support for domestic energy bills.

Ms Jones said: “We cannot hide from the difficult decisions we have to face, and anyone who pretends otherwise is pulling the wool over your eyes.

“Increasing taxes is something no Conservative wants to do. But in the face of the deepest economic shock for centuries, it is the right thing to do.

“At this very difficult time, it is welcome that the Chancellor has dug deeper to find an extra £8billion for health and education in England.

“This generates an extra £1.2billion for the Welsh Government to spend.

“This must immediately go to stretched public services – helping to clear the NHS backlog and sustain a high standard of teaching in our classrooms.”

Ms Jones also welcomes the doubling of support from £100 to £200 for the many people in her constituency living off the gas grid.

She said: “This is something I lobbied hard for, and I am delighted that the Treasury has listened. I will share further details as soon as I hear.”