Southwark Liberal Democrats react to the budget

Southwark Liberal Democrats have responded to today's budget – welcoming the news of financial devolution, but warning that without unlocking growth with a closer relationship with Europe, the economy will remain sluggish, exacerbating the cost of living crisis.

Cllr Rachel Bentley, Southwark Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Democracy, and Equalities, said:

"Whilst the news on greater financial devolution is welcome, the budget still leaves a lot to be desired. We urgently need detail on the nature of this devolution; that cannot be cash that sits in Lord Sadiq Khan's bank account and must be prioritised for actually delivering the Bakerloo Line Extension, and also passed down to boroughs like Southwark which is facing a £102 million gap thanks to Labour's cuts. There is no clear new money for the biggest pressures we're facing here on temporary accommodation, SEND, or adult social care. 

The fundamental reality is that without kick starting our sluggish economy by committing firmly to a closer relationship with Europe - all of the measures in the budget are fiddling around the sides. Britain being back at the heart of the EU is the biggest lever the government can pull to revitalise our economy, create more jobs and put more money back into people's pockets.”