Reducing inequality and protecting livelihoods must be at the heart of the Autumn Statement

Saving the economy, protecting households and rescuing public services must be at the heart of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement, the Mayor of West Yorkshire has said. 

In a letter to Jeremy Hunt MP ahead of Thursday’s announcement, she has set out the measures needed to reduce inequality and improve peoples’ lives. 

Amid speculation of how the Government intends to fill the reported £58 billion blackhole in the budget, the Mayor has urged the Chancellor not to take steps which would limit economic growth, bankrupt businesses and push more people into poverty. 

The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“This is a key moment for the Government to acknowledge the widespread suffering caused by the cost of living crisis and to fix the economic mess created by the previous Prime Minister. 

“To grow our regional economy, we need the Government to follow-through on its promises to build Northern Powerhouse Rail in full – with that new stop in Bradford – and support businesses to lower their bills now and protect against future price hikes.  

"And our councils need a fair funding deal so they can continue to provide the vital services people are desperately relying upon to get through this winter.” 

In the letter, the Mayor has called for: 

• Help for businesses to bring down their energy bills through a reconsideration of the six-month cap on energy prices and more support for energy efficiency measures. 
• Delivery of long-promised investment in the North, including Northern Powerhouse Rail in full with a new station in Bradford. 
• Assurance of the Government’s continued commitment to building a mass transit system in West Yorkshire, and funding to make it happen. 
• More devolved funding to Mayors to end bidding contests for pots of money such as the recent Levelling Up Fund. 
• A fair and long-term funding deal for local councils including adult social care and children with special educational needs and disabilities. 
• Greater commitment from the Government on net zero along with the devolved powers and funding needed to make real progress.
• Investment in low-carbon energy to bring down household bills and reduce emissions.
• Proper funding for local police and the criminal justice system to reduce the backlog of cases in our courts.