Commenting on the budget delivered today (Wednesday) by the chancellor, UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said:
“Rachel Reeves has hit the reset button, erasing the Tory shambles and misery of the past.
“This authoritative budget turns the page on the horrible history of the past 14 years. The Conservatives’ toxic combination of austerity, unfunded spending and fake promises to lower taxes left the country in a dreadful state.
“The chancellor’s vision shows economic stability can be restored by investing in the NHS, schools, care and local councils.
“Good quality, well-funded and sufficiently staffed services are essential for a healthy, highly skilled and well-supported population.
“The last government hid the true state of the country’s finances, leaving public services in tatters. No one should have to put up with long delays for treatment, dilapidated schools, roads full of holes, community facilities sold off to prevent councils from going under or a lack of support when their elderly relatives need care.
“By putting up the minimum wage and ending the freeze on tax thresholds, the government has shown it understands the pressures working families face.
“Asking those with deeper pockets to pay more is the right thing to do. Decent public services can’t be delivered on the cheap. It’s important to spend to invest in the UK’s future.”