Leader of Wakefield Council Responds To Budget
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Responding to the Autumn Budget, Councillor Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said:
"The budget starts to meet the significant challenges our country faces. Investing in our public services. Protecting working people. And returning to economic responsibility.
“The new Government has a dire inheritance to sort out. It has had to make some very difficult decisions. 14 years of failure can’t be undone by one budget. But fixing the foundations creates the stable conditions we need to drive the growth that our country needs.
“Additional funding for essential Council services is welcome. The announcements on social care and homelessness have the potential to make a real difference.
“A record investment in our NHS will help provide the care people need and deserve. With thousands more appointments, more beds, and improvements to more of our hospitals.
“Increased education funding will have a big impact for our young people. With a major investment in school buildings, more breakfast clubs, and thousands of new teachers in key subjects.
“And there was more support for those on the lowest incomes. With a significant increase to the National Living Wage, a boost to Carer’s Allowance, and the extension of the Household Support Fund.
“This is just the beginning of ambitious plans for our region. Wakefield is ready to work closely with the new Government to deliver for communities right across our district.”
Cllr Denise Jeffery
Leader of Wakefield Council