The Spending Review marked a new phase for our Labour Government – focusing on investing in Britain’s future to ensure working people benefit from our stabilising, growing economy.
In Labour local government, we particularly welcomed funding for social and affordable housing, children’s social care, and adults with complex needs.
Overall, action is being taken to return local government to a sustainable financial position. Alongside multi-year settlements, an additional £3.4 billion in grant funding per year by 2028/29 is welcome.
“Action is being taken to return local government to a sustainable financial position”
Wider reforms will ensure funding is targeted based on an updated assessment of need. This directly contrasts with the previous Conservative government, which openly flaunted removing funding from high-need areas in favour of more affluent, Conservative-voting areas. The Labour Government is directing the most support to those that need it the most.
Of course, there is always more to be done, and it will take time for the Government to undo 14 years of underfunding, but it is crucial to view the Spending Review in its entirety.
More money for leisure facilities leads to fewer pressures on the NHS; increasing social and affordable housebuilding leads to lower costs on temporary accommodation; £1.2billion in training and upskilling for more than a million young people leads to higher employment. These actions are indicative of a progressive, productive Government, beginning to change our country for all our communities.