Statement from Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire following today’s mini-Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer

Following today’s mini-Budget by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“We have ambitious plans to make West Yorkshire an even better place to work, live and start a business, so I’m keen to work with Government to help deliver growth. However, this must be done in a way that is fair, inclusive and works for everybody in the region. Sadly, the tax measures announced today will give far more back to people who are already earning more, and choosing to penalise low-paid workers on universal credit, such as carers, feels like the wrong choice to make during a cost of living crisis.

“I’m pleased to see the Chancellor reaffirm the Government’s commitment to major transport schemes in our region, including mass transit for West Yorkshire and an upgrade to the TransPennine route. These schemes are vital if we’re to improve services and meet our carbon target of Net-Zero by 2038.

“However, the Prime Minister promised during her leadership campaign to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail in full, highlighting the benefit for Bradford in particular, and today’s rail announcement falls far short of that promise. Accelerating existing proposals is not the same as delivering on long-promised plans, and we remain clear that delivering Northern Powerhouse Rail in full means building a new line between Manchester to Leeds with that vital stop in Bradford, and a new line from Leeds to Sheffield to enable HS2 trains to reach Leeds.

“Plans for Investment Zones to encourage businesses are welcome, and I look forward to receiving further details. However, economic growth requires hard work and collaboration between the public and private sector. For this to be successful and deliver more well-paid jobs across our region, it must come with public investment and local decision-making.”