In response to the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s summer economic update, local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, said:
“After the big build-up to this statement, people in our community have been largely left without the key reassurances they need in the face of growing economic uncertainty.
“Whilst there were positive moves to stimulate job creation for young people and cashflow for struggling businesses, crucial investment in public services and affordable housing seems to have pushed back into the horizon.
“We also now need more ambitious solutions from Government to boost our local high streets and town centres as we start to recover from the first Covid-19 outbreak and a decade of austerity.
“Despite the measures announced today, London still faces huge cuts to policing, fire, and transport services. Our cash-strapped local authorities, which are often the last line of defence in the face of austerity, have also been pushed to the brink by the Covid crisis, without the prospect of an adequate rescue package.
“Let’s be clear, it is firmly in the Government’s hands to protect our communities from the worst impacts of a recession”.
Notes to editors
- Unmesh Desai AM is the London Assembly Member for City and East London.