From historic tax rises to the cutting of business rate relief, there were plenty of noteworthy announcements in the first Labour Budget since 2010.

But for Watford residents, arguably the biggest issue was notable by its absence as Chancellor Rachel Reeves didn't provide any significant updates on the planned Watford General rebuild, merely confirming that a review into the New Hospital Programme is continuing.

The town's newly elected Labour MP Matt Turmaine is choosing to remain upbeat, despite the saga being set to drag on into the New Year.

He said: "Watford General Hospital remains in the New Hospital Building Programme Review as was previously announced.  Further information is coming in the comprehensive spending review early next year."

Mr Turmaine noted that Watford was given a specific mention as Ms Reeves announced a fresh round of funding for schools affected by dangerous reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

Matt Turmaine MPMatt Turmaine MP (Image: Newsquest) Watford Conservative Association Chair Stephen Woodard was less positive, labelling the Budget "a terrible missed opportunity".

He said: "It is now clear that Labour misled the electorate in the General Election just a few months ago.

"It is deeply disappointing that the hospital project is still on hold. Watford residents remain threatened by this potential betrayal of their trust and still Matt Turmaine  says nothing."

Mr Woodard also poured cold water over the RAAC announcement, claiming the funding had already been secured under Watford's previous MP Dean Russell and the Conservative government.

Peter TaylorPeter Taylor (Image: Watford Borough Council)Watford's Liberal Democrat Mayor Peter Taylor said it was "incredibly disappointing" that the Budget didn't include a more substantial update on the rebuild.

He added: "Further delays will see the costs of the new facilities rise and mean that patients, staff and visitors have to put up with inadequate health facilities even longer."

A spokesperson for West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust said that the Trust is "pleased" to hear that Health Secretary Wes Streeting will be setting out further details on the project in the coming weeks.

They added: "As our communities, dedicated staff and partners know, the current hospital estate is not fit for purpose and has suffered from decades of chronic under-investment."

Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's first Budget since 2010.Rachel Reeves delivered Labour's first Budget since 2010. (Image: PA) Away from the hospital, hospitality was under the spotlight, amid fears about the future of pubs and other small businesses.

Abbots Langley Councillor Sara Bedford said: "I worry about the effect of the Budget on micro businesses, including hospitality, many of which are valuable in our High Streets."

The Chancellor announced that business rate relief for pubs would be cut from the 75 per cent it has stood at since 2020, down to 40 per cent.

According to experts, this will mean a 140 per cent increase in bills.

The One Crown in Watford High StreetThe One Crown in Watford High Street (Image: Newsquest) Darragh O'Connor manages several pubs, including the One Crown in Watford High Street  and was left feeling gloomy about the short term future for hospitality.

He said: "It's going to have a massive impact. We're going to be paying double what we're paying at the moment. 

"It's a very safe Budget. It will help the government clear a deficit but its not done us any favours. It wasn't a good Budget for publicans at all."

While fearing the Budget will "speed up" the closure of many pubs, he stressed that the One Crown will be "absolutely fine".

Other notable announcements in the speech included a rise in the amount of National Insurance paid by employers, the bus fare cap rising from £2 to £3 and the cutting of draught duty by 1.7 per cent