Localis Responds to 2024 Budget Announcement by Labour Government
In a highly anticipated move, the Labour Government has released its first budget in fourteen years, with a strong focus on place-based policy and devolution. This landmark budget, delivered by Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Smith, aims to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and restore public services.
Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran, has praised the budget’s emphasis on empowering local authorities and their mayors to lead the way in driving growth and reshaping public services. “The increased powers and trailblazer deals for combined authorities in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands demonstrate the government’s commitment to devolution and place-based policy,” said Werran.
However, he also emphasized the importance of proper allocation of resources and political capital to ensure the success of these plans. Werran also noted the budget’s focus on immediate funding for councils to address pressing issues such as social care, but cautioned that a long-term solution would have to be addressed in future spending reviews.
The budget also includes measures to support infrastructure development, such as a top-up of the Affordable Homes Programme and the retention of right to buy revenues for local councils. However, Werran raised concerns about the scale of financing and resourcing needed to meet the demand for new builds, as well as the need for planning reforms and support for the planning profession.
In addition, Werran highlighted the budget’s support for high streets, stating that the promise of permanently lower business rates and relief for the retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors is a step in the right direction. However, he also stressed the need for measures to address anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which can have a negative impact on local economies.
Localis is an independent, cross-party think tank that promotes neo-localist ideas through research, events, and commentary. Their work focuses on four key areas: decentralising political economy, empowering local leadership, extending local civil capacity, and reforming public services.
To learn more about Localis and their work, visit their website at www.localis.org.uk. They can also be found on Twitter at @Localis.
For press enquiries, please contact Jonathan Werran at 0870 448 1530 or jonathan.werran@localis.org.uk.
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