A RAFT of measures designed to drive economic growth and reduce taxes were announced during the Government’s latest Budget today (6 March). This includes £20 million of Levelling Up funding for regeneration in Harlow.

Essex County Council has welcomed the announcements. However, the council warns an uncertain financial outlook remains for Local Government.

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Chancellor of Essex, said: “A further cut to National Insurance contributions and the promise of more help for parents receiving child benefit, will hopefully go some way in easing the financial pressures many households are currently facing.

“However, the announcements made today, while positive, will do little to mitigate the current financial pressures faced by local authorities. We need a serious commitment from central government to long-term, sustainable investment instead of one-off financial settlements. This will allow authorities to plan with certainty for the future and continue to deliver high-quality, essential services.

“While I am proud that we have again been able to balance the books in Essex in our own budget, the fact remains that, like other public sector organisations, we are faced with more and more difficult financial decisions. Without further support from central government, this won’t change.”

The Government also announced a continuation of the Household Support Fund which was due to end this month.

It was set-up on a temporary basis in 2021. The aim was to support households struggling to buy food, pay utility bills, or meet other essential costs.

Funding in Essex has been provided in several ways. This includes through the Essential Living Fund and local voluntary and community sector organisations.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement, said: “Having personally raised the matter of the Household Support Fund with a number of senior MPs, today’s announcement of a six-month extension is welcome news. It will avoid the sudden cliff edge end of key support and resources, brought in during Covid, to help the most vulnerable groups.

“We will work with partners, charities and organisations to help prepare for the transition beyond the six months.”

The Chancellor also announced additional support to help the early years sector deliver their 30-hour a week of free childcare offer, as well as plans to spend £105 million on building 15 new special schools across the country.