The Autumn Budget 2024

Over the last week we saw the presentation of the first Labour budget in 15 years, a pivotal moment for this country. This budget isn’t just a set of numbers—it’s a chance to rebuild and restore the foundations of this country that have been neglected for far too long. For too many years, communities in Cramlington and Killingworth constituency have had their ambitions stifled by an out-of-touch Conservative government, one that preferred to sweep problems under the rug rather than face them head-on. But the time for ignoring the issues is over. This budget marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that seeks to undo the damage of the past and set us on a path towards a better future.

Fixing the Foundations – Local Transport and Infrastructure

One of the most pressing issues in places across Cramlington and Killingworth, and indeed the country, has been the sorry state of our local transport infrastructure. For years, people have been frustrated by roads riddled with potholes, buses that never arrive, and a lack of investment in the vital services we rely on. In this budget, we’re taking steps to fix that.

The additional £500 million for road maintenance will go a long way in addressing the huge backlog of repairs, with a particular focus on fixing potholes—an all-too-visible symbol of years of decline. This commitment to repairing one million potholes a year is a key pledge that was welcomed with enthusiasm during the election. But it’s not just about roads. We’re also committed to improving bus services, particularly in areas like the North East, where local leadership has worked hard to bring better public transport solutions to communities. Extending the bus fare cap until the end of next year at £3, that was due to completely expire and send the cost of some rural route to £14 per trip, will help protect vital services and ensure people can still afford to get to work, school, and other essential places.

Supporting people with the cost of living

Another major challenge facing families across the country has been the relentless squeeze on household budgets. The catastrophic economic missteps of the past government—most notably the disastrous Liz Truss budget—left many paying the price through rising bills and financial uncertainty. In this budget, we’re making clear that Labour is here to support working people and those who need it most.

One of the key measures is the increase in the living wage. For too long, workers have faced stagnant wages that have failed to keep pace with rising living costs. This budget will put more money in people’s pockets, helping them make ends meet. Additionally, we’re introducing the largest single increase in carers’ allowance since it was first introduced. Carers play a vital role in our society, often going unrecognised and unpaid, and this boost will provide much-needed support for those who care for our loved ones.

For those on Universal Credit, we’re also reducing debt repayments, offering vital relief to people who are struggling the most. These measures, along with others aimed at helping the most vulnerable, reflect our commitment to creating a fairer society where everyone has a chance to succeed.

Rebuilding our public services – Investing in Policing and the NHS

When I spoke with voters on the doorstep during the election, I heard one consistent message: communities are feeling less safe, and crime is going unpunished. It’s clear that too many of our streets are being blighted by anti-social behaviour, and people no longer feel protected by the services meant to keep them safe. This budget addresses that concern head-on, with funding to recruit 13,000 additional police officers to restore neighbourhood policing and ensure safer communities for all.

But safety isn’t just about policing; it’s also about the state of our NHS. I’ve worked for the emergency services myself, and have seen firsthand the pressure that staff are under, and the strain patients face due to long waiting lists and overstretched services. I was recently reminded of this when I bumped into a former supervisor who is now retired, but still passionate about the NHS. We talked about how much harder things have become for ambulance staff and patients alike. That’s why I’m particularly proud of the £25.6 billion cash injection into the NHS announced in this budget. This is the first step in reducing waiting times and rebuilding our healthcare services, ensuring that people get the care they deserve without unnecessary delays.

Fixing the foundations

In summary, this budget is about more than just fiscal responsibility; it’s about putting people first. It’s about ensuring that communities like Cramlington, Killingworth and all our towns and villages, which have suffered from years of austerity, can begin to recover and thrive once again. The road ahead will not be easy, and we cannot fix everything in one go. But this budget marks a significant step forward. It’s the first of many, a starting point from which we can build a better, fairer, and more prosperous country for everyone.

As I’ve listened to the contributions from the opposition over the past few days, it’s clear to me that they have learned nothing from the message sent by the British people in the last election. We have listened. We are acting. And we will continue to put people’s needs at the heart of our decisions. This is the beginning of the journey, and together, we will make it a success.