A local MP has claimed the Chancellor "missed her chance" to bring change to Eastleigh.

Following the Spring Statement, Eastleigh's Liberal Democrat MP, Liz Jarvis, criticised the government's decision to increase taxes on small businesses by raising employers' national insurance contributions.

Ms Jarvis suggested alternative revenue sources, urging the Labour Government to target big banks, social media giants, and online gambling companies instead.

She said: "Across Eastleigh, people are struggling with eye-watering bills, businesses are buckling under pressure, and our public services are crumbling.

"This Spring Statement was a real opportunity for this government to turn things round for the better, but instead, it will just inflict more pain on our small businesses and high streets, cut public services, and hit disabled people."

Ms Jarvis pledged to campaign with the Liberal Democrats for a change in government policy, advocating for economic growth driven by contributions from powerful industries rather than local businesses and farmers.