Heather Jameson 06 March 2024

Budget: Chancellor launches productivity push

Budget: Chancellor launches productivity push image
(c) parliamentlive.tv

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled a Budget with little respite for local government but demands for increased public sector productivity.

As expected, he announced a further 2p cut to employee National Insurance to ‘make employment pay’, and pledged to continue to cut the tax when it was affordable.

Patrick Melia, Solace spokesperson for local government finance, said:  ‘The Government has, once again, failed to properly address the extreme financial pressures facing local government.

‘Continued underinvestment in local areas will only serve to further restrict the economic prospects of the country at a time when growth has never been more needed.’

On public services, the chancellor told Parliament: ‘We need a more productive state, not a bigger state.’

Plans for boost productivity with digital solutions, AI and prevention started with increased funding of £2.5bn for digital transformation, with smaller funds for police and the courts.

For local authorities he found £165m for children in care and £105m to build 50 new special educational needs schools.

Elsewhere, Hunt announced an extension of the Household Support Fund at it’s current level for six months.

Westminster City Council leader Cllr Adam Hug claimed the move ‘simply kicks the can down the road’.

‘It will mean little relief to thousands of hard hit Westminster families who need supermarket vouchers to get through the week,’ he said.

The chancellor pledged £100m for devolution for the North East, and county deals covering Buckinghamshire, Warwickshire and Surrey.

There was a further £100m levelling up cash for cultural projects as councils continue to struggle with arts funding amid the growing budget crisis.

In the West Midlands, where Birmingham City Council has been criticised for cutting culture funds, the chancellor has handed extra cash to Midlands Mayor Andy Street.

Hunt peppered his speech with additional funding for village halls and community led housing schemes, alongside long-term funding for a development corporation in Cambridge.

Other Budget measures included freezing duty on fuel and alcohol, increasing excise duty on vapes and a ‘fairer’ system for non dom taxes.

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner