Cllr Grace Williams' reaction to the budget

This budget was a stark reminder of the challenges the country faces.  

Over the past 14 years, local government has been asked to deliver more services, to more people, for less money, and with fewer resources. While these clearly unsustainable structural funding pressures facing local government remain, in the short term, we welcome the government’s interventions to support local homelessness services and boost housing growth, as well as much-needed investment into SEND and social care.  

These are invaluable measures which will help to sustain our services, and positive signals that the new chancellor is listening to local government. However, the fact remains there will still be a significant shortfall in the amount of money ultimately needed to tackle the rising pressures we are facing, from temporary accommodation to social care. 

We were also pleased to see the Household Support Fund, which has been a vital lifeline for many residents over recent years, has been extended. This money will assist local people in the most need over the winter and into next year. 

Alongside our partners, we will do all we can to make the case to central government that the forthcoming local government finance settlement, and the Comprehensive Spending Review provides the long-term support which local government so clearly needs, and the foundation upon which we can support the government to deliver growth.