COMMUNITY leaders in Allerdale have reacted to the new chancellor's autumn statement - with mixed views on how it will help the country.

Jeremy Hunt delivered his first budget as chancellor last Thursday, November 17, in which he said that the priorities of the nation are 'stability, growth, and public services' as a way of rebuilding back our economy. 

Mr Hunt revealed tens of billions in tax rises and spending cuts - with the highest earners having to start paying the top rate of tax beng brought down from £150,000 to £125,140.

Shadow Cumberland Council leader, Mark Fryer, said he had been 'disappointed' by the autumn statement.

He said: “In many ways I was disappointed, however, in all honesty I expected no different after the last 12 years.

"We’re still awaiting information on how much grant funding Cumberland Council will receive from government, and this will be fed into the development of the budget for next year.

"I hope that the government fully takes into account the pressures we, like councils up and down the country, are facing and provide a fair and comprehensive settlement.

"What I am sure of is that at Cumberland Council we will create a robust budget based on prudent assumptions on the future which will deliver the ambitions in our Council Plan.

"We’ll support those most in need and put the health and wellbeing of our residents at the heart of everything we do.

"By working closely with our partners we’ll work to tackle inequality in our area, and invest in our communities so that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”

However, Workington MP Mark Jenkinson welcomed the budget in which he said the chancellor had to make some 'difficult decisions'.

He said: "The chancellor had some difficult decisions to make in the autumn statement as we see the world heading into recession following the closure of large parts of our economy during Covid, the continued impact on supply chains from that and Putin's illegal war in Ukraine.

"I'm glad to see the chancellor protect the most vulnerable in our society, in the continuation of the Energy Price Guarantee, the doubling of support for those off the gas grid, additional cost of living payments next year for those on means-tested benefits, pensioners and those living with a disability.

"I was delighted that he heeded my calls for more education funding, which the IFS say will more than cover expected cost rises while delivering the highest ever per-pupil funding in real terms after these additional costs are considered.

"We also saw a huge increase in NHS funding and measures to improve access to NHS services and efficiencies."