Autumn Statement 2016: Council leader warns of '˜challenging' budget decisions

The leader of Calderdale Council says it will now face 'hugely challenging' decisions over future budgets.
Concillor Tim Swift outside Halifax Town Hall.Concillor Tim Swift outside Halifax Town Hall.
Concillor Tim Swift outside Halifax Town Hall.

Councillor Tim Swift hit out at yesterday’s statement for failing to provide extra funding for social care or the NHS, saying the most vulnerable in society have been betrayed.

“Everyone involved in health and care – not just councils, but charities, NHS organisations and the businesses that provide care services – told the Government that they had to do more to provide proper funding for social care,” said Coun Swift.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s appalling that they have failed to act. This leaves social care in crisis. That means not enough money to make sure that older people and people with disabilities who need help in the community are certain to get it.”

He added: “It means more pressure and worry for families. And it means more problems for the NHS, facing a budget crisis of its own.

“Locally, it means massive problems for the council setting its budget for the next few years.

“There will be stark choices to be made and many services that people take for granted could be put at risk if we are going to be able to make sure we can continue to help the most vulnerable to live safely in our community.”