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Autumn Budget 2024: Southwark Council’s response

Southwark joined other local councils from up and down the country to see what the new budget might hold for the borough’s communities.
Bank notes, a calculator and a pen

Last week the government outlined their spending plans in the Autumn budget statement.

Southwark joined other local councils from up and down the country to see what the new budget might hold for the borough’s communities. 

In response to the budget, leader of Southwark Council Cllr Kieron Williams said:  “This week the new government set out their first budget and it was good news for our borough.

“The £1,400 a year rise in the minimum wage will lift thousands of people out of poverty pay. The state pension is also going up by £470 this year. There was also support for our local small businesses and highstreets with a 40% reduction in business rates for shops, hospitality and leisure businesses.  

“There was much needed extra money for local public services too, including our NHS. This is hugely welcome. Every week, I hear from residents who are struggling to get a doctor, dentist or hospital appointment. Whilst it will take time to rebuild these services, this investment will mean that work can at last begin.

“I’m very glad to say there was also more money for council homes. Earlier this year Southwark Council set out our plan to backed by over 100 councils. The Chancellor not only referenced our work in her speech, she delivered on some of our recommendations including more funding and action to stop the loss of council homes through Right to Buy.

“There was also very good news on another issue that we’ve been pressing government on, with £1billion of extra funding for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Through my conversations with families and schools across our borough, I know just how much this is needed and am delighted the new government have listened.

“There was much more in the budget, including funding boosts for schools, social care, breakfast clubs and to help fix local roads. There is of course also much more to do. One budget could never turn around fourteen years of austerity and as a council we – just like the Chancellor - continue to face very difficult financial choices. However it a relief to finally have some light at the end of the tunnel, and a budget from the new government that will help so many people across our community.”

Date
4 November 2024