Essex Conservatives have today strongly condemned the Labour Government's October budget at a Full Council Meeting in County Hall today. The Conservative Group branded the budget a unmitigated disaster for the residents and businesses of Essex.
Labour’s decision to impose £40 billion in tax rises, much of which was not disclosed prior to the election, combined with the manipulation of the fiscal rules to increasse borrowing by an additional £32 billion, has already led to rising inflation, higher unemployment, and increased energy costs. Meanwhile, economic growth and wages have stalled.
In Essex, businesses are bearing the brunt of these tax hikes, particularly with the increases in National Insurance. These rises will also have a detrimental impact on essential services, including the Essex Voluntary and Community Sector, children's nurseries, GPs, and Essex County Council's vital supply chain.
The impact on local farmers is equally severe, with rising Inheritance Tax demands threatening to break up family-run farms. These changes, coupled with inflation, will drive up food prices and exacerbate food security issues across Essex. Conservative Councillors noted in the debate their support for local farming and their support for those who recently took to Westminister to protest the changes.
Pensioners in Essex are also suffering and have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision between heating and eating. National reports show that 50,000 more pensioners are being driven into poverty due to the Government’s cruel cut to Winter Fuel Allowance.
In a further blow to Essex, the Government has indicated plans to redistribute funding from councils like Essex County Council to other areas of the country, a move that would severely hinder local services and support.
In response, Essex Conservatives have called on the Government to:
- Reassess its approach and go back to the drawing board to produce a budget that truly supports the residents and businesses of Essex.
- Ensure that funding for Essex County Council is not redistributed to other councils across the country, which would unfairly disadvantage Essex communities.
Off the back of the debate, the Leader of Essex County Council will also send a copy of this motion to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and all Essex MPs to ensure that the voices of Essex residents are heard loud and clear in Westminster.
