I’m pleased that the Chancellor announced support for businesses affected by Coronavirus and that the NHS will get whatever extra resources it needs.

But there was nothing in the budget for social care. This is a serious mistake because the NHS relies on social care to get older people out of hospital when they don’t need to be there, and make way for people who do.

I’m also very concerned that the measures announced for people who are self-employed or in the gig economy don’t go anywhere near far enough to help already struggling workers who won’t qualify for Statutory Sick Pay.

The truth is, the Chancellor’s other public spending announcements are catching up on the damage the Conservatives have themselves caused over the last decade.

The key question now is how and where the spending will go.

The East Midlands has the lowest public spending per head of population of any UK region, and one of the lowest productivity rates.

Changing this will require big shifts, not only in transport funding but investment in R&D and skills. The Government must make sure our city and region get the support we need to level up jobs and opportunities and reach our full potential. You can watch my interview about this on BBC East Midlands Today here – it starts around 13:05 minutes in.