Spending Review a ‘new age of austerity’ with no real improvements to vital services say Lib Dems

Responding to the Government’s Spending Review announcement, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Liberal Democrats on Sunderland City Council Heather Fagan said:

“This seems to be nothing more than a new age of austerity from Rachel Reeves and this Labour Government. People on Wearside will be horrified at either real term cuts or tiny increases in day-to-day spending for things like education, transport, local councils and social care where people won’t see real improvements in these vital services.

“The Chancellor makes dodgy claims about more ‘spending power’ for police and councils but this is only going to happen through further hikes in Council Tax bills each and every year which local people can ill afford.

“At the same time, the Government are still ploughing ahead with their disastrous Employer National Insurance increases which are stifling local, small and independent businesses.

“Instead of delivering the change that they promised, this is just the same as the years of neglect we faced under the last Conservative government.”