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As I reflect on the recent Budget announcement, I have mixed emotions. While I congratulate the Chancellor for being the first woman in our country's history to table a budget and for listening to the Liberal Democrats on the importance of NHS funding, I also feel that the measures taken are insufficient for our community in Newbury.
Healthcare
The government’s decision to allocate £22.6 billion in new funding for the NHS is a welcome step towards undoing some of the harm inflicted over the past 14 years by Conservative leadership. However, we need to see how this funding translates into extra GP and dental services here in Newbury, which are desperately needed.
One of the most frustrating aspects of the Budget is the lack of a definitive plan for the redevelopment of the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Our community has waited far too long for these crucial improvements. We cannot continue to drag our heels on such a vital issue—our patients deserve better, and people are tired of empty promises. We need real action, not more delays.
The Unresolved Social Care Crisis
The social care crisis is another significant oversight in this Budget. Without a robust plan for reform, our health services will remain overwhelmed, placing an unfair burden on families and healthcare providers alike. The government must initiate cross-party talks to address this issue once and for all. As Liberal Democrats, we are ready to work constructively towards solutions.
Urgent Needs in SEND and Housing
I'm pleased to see the Chancellor allocate an additional £1 billion towards Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, but this is just a start. The scale of the problem demands greater urgency from the government to ensure that all SEND families in Newbury and across the country receive the support they need.
On affordable housing, while it is positive to see increased funding, we are still waiting to hear how the government plans to deliver these units. What is the workforce strategy behind this investment? We need a clear ten-year breakdown of social rent, affordable rent, and outright sale to address the housing crisis effectively.
National Insurance Rise
Raising Employer’s National Insurance is effectively a jobs tax, one that will hit our small businesses and struggling care providers right here in Newbury. It’s an unfair burden on local businesses and their workers, especially at a time when people are already facing a squeeze on their living standards. This £25 billion tax hike could have been avoided by asking big banks or social media giants to pay their fair share instead.
Cost-of-Living Crisis
Finally, I must address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Families in Newbury are barely keeping up, and it was disappointing to see the government miss an opportunity to reverse the two-child benefit cap, forcing residents to choose between food and heating.
Holding the Government Accountable
While the Budget delivers some much-needed funding for the NHS, it is clear that Newbury requires more than just promises. We need a definitive plan for the Royal Berkshire Hospital redevelopment and concrete actions on social care, SEND, and affordable housing. I will continue to hold the government accountable and advocate for the resources and reforms that our community desperately needs.