Autumn Budget: WLGA Leader welcomes Chancellor commitment to ‘invest, invest, invest’ in public services

Wednesday, 30 October 2024

Responding to the UK Government’s Budget announcements, Councillor Andrew Morgan OBE, WLGA Leader said:

 

“The Chancellor has delivered a Budget designed to ‘fix the foundations’ of the UK economy set against a challenging financial landscape. After over a decade of austerity, council-run local services are creaking at the seams.

 

“I warmly welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to ‘invest, invest, invest’. With sustainable, long-term investment, councils can help to deliver the ambitions of both UK and Welsh governments; with investment in local preventative services, such as social care, councils can help to keep people well and healthy at home, and ease hospital waiting lists and the burden on health services. With extra funding for schools and education, councils can improve the life chances of children and young people and prepare the workforce of the future. With money for regional and local economic development, councils can contribute to spur much-needed economic growth and create thriving communities.

 

“This Budget represents a step-change in tone from the UK Government which should be welcomed by all those who cherish their local services. It is only with a strong partnership between councils, Welsh and UK governments that we can work to deliver economic growth, achieve net zero, secure safer streets, break down barriers to opportunity, and create caring, healthier communities across Wales.

 

“We look forward to continue engagement with the Welsh Government to work towards achieving a settlement which recognises councils’ key contribution to securing national priorities.”

 

ENDS -

Categories: News

  About

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) represents the interests of local government and promotes local democracy in Wales.

  Contact Us

Tel : 02920 468680
Mail : enquiries@wlga.gov.uk
Business Hours : Mon - Thurs 8:30 - 5:00, Fri - 08:30 - 16:30