Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne’s call for an above-inflation increase in the minimum wage has been backed by Ilkley’s MP.

Speaking from Westminster, Kris Hopkins said he believed it was “absolutely right” that people who had worked hard during the difficult years of the recession were properly rewarded for their efforts.

The Housing Minister said: “Whilst it is for the Low Pay Commission to set the exact figure for the minimum wage, I believe the Chancellor is correct in making his view clear and it is a position I strongly support.”

He added: “Inflation has dropped to its lowest level since 2009, unemployment continues to fall, economic growth is consistently upwards and retail sales have just shown their fastest rise in more than nine years.

“Our economy is moving out of its darkest days and into the sunlight.

“It is therefore absolutely right that people who have worked hard during the difficult years are properly rewarded for their efforts.

“This should include an affordable but meaningful increase in the minimum wage.”