Norwich North MP Chloe Smith will hold special meetings this weekend to discuss the spending review with her constituents, but said cuts were needed to stop future generations being saddled with debts.

The Conservative MP said George Osborne was right to say in his comprehensive spending review announcement that the country had 'stepped back from the brink' and said: 'People I speak to locally do want the UK back on a sustainable financial footing. We can't burden future generations with debts we wouldn't be prepared to pay today.'

She welcomed announcements on education, health, banking reform and transport and said Norwich would welcome moves to build 150,000 new affordable homes in the country.

She said she would be discussing other housing measures with the Secretary of State and also the Homes and Communities Agency in the next two weeks.

She said: 'I know people will carefully consider today's announcements about benefits. I think pensioners locally will welcome a sincere, permanent increase in cold weather payments and the retention of other help for them. I hope Equitable Life victims will also appreciate the sum that has been found for them.'

She added: 'I am delighted by the A11 news and spoke to the Roads Minister myself yesterday and today to carry on the lobbying right to the last minute.

'That road is vital to Norwich – for business and residents alike. In particular, firms trying to do business and create new jobs in the north Norwich industrial estates and around the city will welcome this long overdue announcement. By dualling the A11, the Coalition government has shown its commitment to East Anglia.'

She said MPs had put pressure on ministers to get the road built, including a public petition, lobbying and a meeting with Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the treasury.

She added: 'I will be holding special public meetings this Saturday and next to make sure I understand people's opinions locally about the announcements.'