Cambridgeshire County Council has issued a statement in response to the Chancellor’s spending review announcement.
Cllr Lucy Nethsingha, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, said: “Whilst I’m disappointed there wasn’t any news for Cambridgeshire specifically, or for the adult social care challenges we face, the Chancellor did touch on investment in some of the areas we provide services, so we’ll wait to see how that translates.
“It was welcome to hear the Chancellor outline the need to invest in our economy, our schools and the NHS. We often see the pressures through our Adults and Health Committee, so I’m pleased to hear about the increasing funding for the NHS in real-terms and helping them day-to-day.
“Hearing a commitment to help build and contribute to the skills of our young people was positive. I recognise the great work of our apprentices, past and present, and it’s important we support their growth and skills. Last year, we launched a new scheme offering a fully funded social work degree and work experience.
“We await to see the impact of the fourfold increase in local transport grants, what that will mean for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and how we can support them as the highway authority. Similarly, our Highways and Transport Committee will continue to look at how they can ensure communities voices are heard with the £2.5bn investment for the continued delivery of East West Rail. This is a project which falls into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) process. We have some concerns about the proposals around the electrification of the route, ecology and the impact on our roads and public rights of way. We will continue to work with East West Rail to address those concerns and represent our residents’ views.
“Finally, I was glad to hear the investment in our children who need it most. The cost of living is a constant challenge, so the extension to free school meals will provide a real benefit to those children in poverty and the continuation with the national rollout of breakfast clubs will ensure every child has the best chance to thrive and succeed.
“Whilst we also welcome the announcement of some further funds for SEND in the next two years, we are concerned that this will be insufficient given the scale of the pressures faced locally and in many areas across the country. The spending review gives details of the government’s intended approach to SEND reform, which will be set out in the autumn. We are seeing a significant rise in the number of children with SEND and a corresponding increase in the complexity of needs – making this a high priority area for Cambridgeshire.”
