JRF response to the Chancellor's Spending Round statement

4 Sep 2019 04:15 PM

It cannot be right that large parts of our country are being locked out of economic opportunities.

Responding to the Chancellor’s Spending Round statement, Claire Ainsley, Executive Director of the independent Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said:

“Over three years on from the Brexit vote, people on low incomes remain restless for change; and need to see decisive action to improve living standards. The Chancellor set out bold ambitions and action on training and bus transport – but we need much more decisive action to turn back the rising tide of poverty.

“Yesterday’s funding commitments fall far short of what towns need to boost their economies and create good jobs, and they fall short of the additional cash promised by the Prime Minister. We urge the government to commit to funding at the scale that will make a tangible impact in those communities. It cannot be right that large parts of our country are being locked out of economic opportunities.

“The Budget must contain action that will make these aspirations real. Half a million people have been swept into poverty in recent years and low income voters are looking to all the political parties to turn that tide.”

Spending Round 2019: what you need to know