FAILURE to deal with the gloomy economic reality means the Government will struggle to deliver its priorities says Conservative councillor for Old Harlow, Joel Charles.

Cllr Charles said: “The Chancellor has announced the outcome of the Spending Review. There is now a clearer understanding of where Government funding will be allocated over the next three years.

It seems the Government has attempted a sleight of hand on police funding. The full Spending Review document claims there will be increased police spending power. If that means the police precept will be used as a vehicle to raise part of the funding to meet the Government’s pledge to increase officer numbers, that could burden more people with an additional local tax hike. That was not expected to be part of the mechanism to pay for the commitment.

It is concerning that the Chancellor failed to say anything in her statement about the future of the UK Health Security Agency move to the Pinnacles site. There is also no mention of the move in the Spending Review document. The Chancellor confirmed in a recent letter that a decision on the move would be made as part of the Spending Review process, so immediate clarity is needed.

Cllr Joel Charles added:

“The Chancellor’s attempt to resurrect her credibility on Government spending and her management of the economy with a raft of infrastructure announcements has not worked. Promising spending on infrastructure, whilst unprotected Government departments are subject to tight individual settlements, will have far reaching consequences. Potentially seeking to pay for more police by increasing the local tax burden is not what was promised. Without a credible spending plan, the Government will struggle to stimulate growth in the economy.

“It is worrying that the Chancellor failed to confirm the future of the UK Health Security Agency move to Harlow in her statement. The campaign to secure the move must continue. It would be foolish to abandon the opportunity for the town to become a regional centre for life sciences.

“I believe the choices made as part of the Spending Review will lead to an even gloomier Autumn Budget. There is no indication that the Government will adjust its economic plan, which means hardworking people risk paying the price as more tax rises are expected.”