From day one of this Labour Government, ministers have been clear that fairness and fiscal stability is at the heart of our Plan for Change, and the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget represents a hopeful step for communities across the country.
As local leaders, we know the pressures councils are navigating but – unlike the previous Tory government’s approach – local government is being heard.
As well as the new Pride in Place funding, the announcement of local powers to raise a visitor levy is set to invest billions of additional pounds into the communities that need it most.
That’s the difference Labour makes.
“This Government recognises the essential role we play in driving economic growth”
As well as the challenges, this Government recognises the essential role we play not only in driving forward economic growth, but also in community resilience and vital service delivery.
From cutting NHS waiting lists with 250 new neighbourhood health centres, to investment in large infrastructure projects in Darlington, Peterborough and beyond, this Budget represents a continued commitment to a genuine central-local partnership, driving growth and improving public services in every region.
As we look towards the upcoming local government finance settlement, we must acknowledge that the Government is addressing both the immediate financial challenges our country faces, as well as fixing the foundations.
While there are still difficult decisions ahead, Labour is working with councils to deliver a fairer society for all.