Council response to budget announcement
Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, yesterday responded to the budget announcement.
Councillor Sankey said: “We welcome today’s announcement and the additional investment in public services.
“After more than a decade of underfunding, this council, like many others across the UK, is facing significant financial challenges.
“Which is why the increase of £1.3 billion in grant funding for local authorities announced this afternoon, including £600 million for social care, is to be welcomed.”
Tough decisions will still need to be made locally
Councillor Sankey continued: “The measures unveiled in today’s budget will not solve all our problems overnight – and some tough decisions will still need to be made locally – but it does signify an important change in approach from the new government to addressing the root causes of problems such as housing supply and provides us with a far more optimistic economic outlook.
“We will work through the finer details of the government’s budget announcement, but the early indications are a comprehensive understanding of local government funding, an acknowledgement of the challenges faced by local authorities and an appreciation of pressures we know many residents are facing.”
Extension of Household Support Fund welcomed
Councillor Sankey added: “Substantial investment in affordable housing and increased funding for schools and Special Educational Needs are much needed and will go toward addressing some of the key challenges in the city alongside the welcome extension of the Household Support Fund for another year to help people through the ongoing cost of living crisis.
“Funding for breakfast clubs in our schools, hundreds of millions of pounds extra made available to tackle potholes, investment in green energy and a multi-billion pound commitment to a warm homes fund are all indicators that this budget is one which should be welcomed by residents.
“The local government financial settlement, which tells us the exact level of funding we will receive from central government, will be announced in December. We will then prepare a draft budget for this council, which councillors will vote on in February.”