Cautious welcome to Chancellor’s statement where residents and businesses are supported

Staffordshire County Council’s leader has given a cautious welcome to today’s Chancellor’s statement – which sets out plans for extra help for both residents and businesses.

However, Alan White said the council recognised people will still be struggling with cost of living pressures and it was working with partners to promote the help available.

Alan said: “While any measures to support residents and help grow the economy such as tax cuts and energy price capping are welcome, we know that these are still very difficult times for many people.

“We are also concerned about how the funding of the new Government social care reforms will be funded now the NHS health and social care levy plans have been scrapped.”

In the mini-budget, Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng also unveiled plans for new Investment Zones – which include early discussions with Staffordshire.

Alan added: “And we’re pleased to have been confirmed as one of 38 local authority areas to be considered as a location for one of the Government’s new Investment Zones.

“This could attract multi-million pounds’ worth of investment to the county, create thousands of new jobs and see extensive house building.”