Council Leader welcomes Government’s Spending Review
Statement from Council Leader in response to the Government’s Spending Review
Statement from Council Leader in response to the Government’s Spending Review:
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is leading the way in building homes, creating jobs, growing the economy inclusively and supporting our residents. The announcements in today’s Spending Review will do much to help maintain that positive momentum.
“We particularly welcome the announcement of £39 billion extra funding nationally for council, social and other genuinely affordable homes. We’re already delivering more affordable homes than at any time in the last 15 years and the availability of very significant extra funding will allow us to go even further in delivering this generational increase. It’s welcome to have an increase in spending for local councils, and I will look forward to the local government settlement to see what this means for places like Manchester who had our budgets cut heavily by Governments since 2010.
“Following last week’s transport news, we also welcome the commitment to investing in our railways and other infrastructure – the sort of long-term strategic thinking which is vital to address years of underinvestment. Improved rail connections will help us power our aspirations for the city and its people and we look forward to the detail.
“This Spending Review was delivered in challenging circumstances but there is still much in there which is encouraging as we await the detail in the coming days.
“I welcome the largest investment in social and affordable housing in 50 years, alongside the record investment to rebuild the NHS. This alongside the expansion of Free School Meals, and investment in public transport address issues that really matter to Manchester people.”
