Our Labour Government has the unenviable task of balancing what it would wish to do with what is economically possible.
Councils of all colours have experience of making difficult decisions and having to prioritise what is essential while investing in the future, and national government is no different.
We all want a secure economy, thriving communities, and a better standard of living.
The Government is clear that it will focus on its five missions: kickstarting economic growth; making Britain a clean-energy superpower; taking back our streets; breaking down barriers to opportunity; and rebuilding the NHS – to build a better future.
While we look to the future positively, we cannot ignore the dreadful inheritance the Conservatives have left us.
They crashed the economy, created a crisis in public services, and left a £22 billion black hole in the nation’s finances, which a responsible government has to deal with.
The problems the Conservatives have left us will take time to put right, but we are moving away from sticking-plaster politics and towards radical, fundamental change to fix the foundations of our country.
This represents the politics of public service rather than populism that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has always championed.
As we look towards the Budget on 30 October, we must remember that we are thinking of the long term; and while there may be difficult decisions, we must remember that we are striving for a fairer society for all.
This new Labour Government represents a new chance for local government.
I’m pleased to see that we now have a Cabinet that truly understands the vital role local government plays in our country and communities.
Their active engagement with us is encouraging, as is being acknowledged as key partners in the delivery of the Government’s missions.
