“Despite Labour’s promises, the budget failed to deliver the significant change that the country is crying out for.” That’s according to Green Party Councillor Carl Brittain, who is Executive Member for Financial Sustainability at East Herts District Council.
“The refusal to end the two-child benefit cap or reverse the Winter Fuel Payment cut will mean children and pensioners in East Herts will continue to suffer avoidable poverty. These measures are only likely to add further pressure on our overstretched NHS.
“The Chancellor should have increased taxation on the super-rich to bring in the money needed to undo cruel Conservative policies and prevent Labour’s cuts. This was a great opportunity to create a fairer tax system, which unfortunately the Chancellor ignored.
“The Labour government chose to hike bus fares in England by 50% and freeze fuel duty. Any responsible government must encourage the use of public transport, while investing in walking and cycling infrastructure. These Labour measures will not only exacerbate the climate crisis for our future generations but will also hit the poorest in society the hardest.
“The increase in funding for the NHS is welcome, however, local government funding looks inadequate to tackle the severe problems in the sector. Many essential services councils provide will remain under threat.”