Staffordshire County Council's Leader, Alan White, responds to Chancellor's Autumn Budget

Alan White said the detail of the announcement needed to be understood to see how money would actually be distributed.

Reacting to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget, Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: 

“With any budget, the devil is in the detail and this one is no different. 

“There is some positive news, with extra money for children with special educational needs and disabilities and a recognition of the need to invest in the country’s roads, but the reality is that the commitments made are not nearly enough and the increase in the National Living Wage has created extra pressure on the council’s budget.

“To give some perspective, nationwide, councils are carrying a £4 billion deficit in providing support for children with additional needs. The Chancellor’s £1bn commitment, whilst welcome, is therefore a drop in the ocean when compared to what’s needed. There remains an urgent need to fundamentally reform the system so that parents and children can feel the difference.

“When it comes to our roads, we have invested millions into repairs this year and will be looking carefully at how the £500 million commitment made in today's budget will be distributed across the country. What is clear though, is that it is likely to be a tiny fraction of the £472 million previously committed to Staffordshire’s roads as part of the Network North fund.  

“Looking ahead, we will continue to work with our local MPs and the Government to secure the long-term funding and reform required to put council finances on a sustainable footing.”