'We're pleased some important steps have been taken': Wakefield Council leader responds to Autumn Budget

The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered the delayed Autumn Budget yesterday (November 26).

Within it, it was announced that the government would be lifting the two-child benefit cap, implementing a new electric vehicle excise duty and increasing the national minimum wage.

However, the Autumn Budget has been met with mixed reviews.

The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that 780,000 more people will be brought into paying income tax in 2029-30 because of the announced income tax freeze.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has since defended the government's tax-raising budget - saying it will help lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.

Now, responding to the Autumn Budget, Coun Denise Jeffery, leader of Wakefield Council, said: “The budget today (November 26) has been delivered in challenging circumstances.

"But we're pleased some important steps have been taken to help with the cost of living, tackle poverty, and support the lowest paid people in our community.

“Increasing the national living wage will give a lot of workers a boost. Maintaining the pensions triple lock will help our pensioners.

"Removing VAT from energy bills, freezing fuel duty, rail fares and prescriptions will all help with the cost of living. And ending the two-child benefit cap is one of the biggest things we can do to cut child poverty.

“The Chancellor has been very clear about the continued challenges our country faces. The Government is still sorting out the wreckage left behind by the previous Government. And there remain significant international economic headwinds.

"That means difficult decisions have to be made, and those won't always be popular with everyone. But they are essential - at a national and local level - if we want to have a sustainable economy, resilient public services, and a secure future”.