Today the Government announced their spending plans. The Tories are incredibly good at masquerading cuts to pay, decimating services and climate inaction with empty promises and jargon, so I have done a run down of what the autumn statement will actually mean for my constituents…

• After today’s budget, my constituents are facing the biggest fall in household disposable income EVER.
• Already stretched Government departmental spending will be cut by a further £28bn. That’s similar to 2010 levels of austerity.
• In schools, per pupil funding will remain flat and the NHS will still be facing a ~£3bill hole in funding.
• Local government, who deliver vital services like social care and housing, are also facing real-terms cuts in revenue – without support from national gov to fill this hole.
• Energy bills will more than double in April to £3,000 for a majority of households. Meanwhile fossil fuel companies investing in climate destruction can escape paying most of the Chancellors current and increased tax if they drill for more oil.
• My constituents are crying out for greater energy efficiency. But the funding announced today is not nearly enough to retrofit every home that needs it. And why is the government waiting until 2025 before starting the funding? People are freezing in their homes right now.
• I am pleased that Universal Credit will increase inline with inflation, but it doesn’t make up for the £1040 cut to the benefit earlier this year. Families will still be left to rely on foodbanks and destitution will continue to rise.
• All the while nothing was announced to stop pay cuts for public sector workers – like nurses, who pay has fallen by 8% since 2010. Instead the Chancellor has chosen to cut tax on bankers profits.

The Government is implementing Austerity 2.0, when services are already at breaking point and people are already struggling to make ends meet. It was proven wrong the first time, and it’s wrong now.