Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson reflects on the Chancellor’s budget and what it means for residents…
The budget announced yesterday is good news for the most vulnerable families in our city.
The impact of the decision to axe the two child benefit cap cannot be underestimated. The rising cost of living has left many families in our city – where a third of households are classed as living in poverty – struggling.
Our analysis shows it will benefit 6,835 households on Universal Credit in Liverpool – that’s more than one in five – helping deliver on the Government’s pledge to lift young people out of poverty and also be a massive boost for the local economy as most of that money will be spent in shops and businesses.
When coupled with the expansion of free school meals to all families who receive Universal Credit from September 2026 – worth around £500 per child, per year – it will be putting money directly into the pockets of families. In Liverpool we are doing our bit by streamlining the process for those children entitled to free school meals. Auto-enrolling pupils will ensure that an additional 550 households benefit, and deliver a financial boost for schools who will receive at least an additional £1,000 per child in Pupil Premium payments.
I am are also pleased that our lobbying, alongside that of Mayor Steve Rotheram, will see the introduction of an overnight accommodation levy, including for holiday rentals including Airbnbs. Liverpool is a world class visitor destination and it’s vital that we support the sector here in the city as it supports tens of thousands of jobs. It will ensure we can improve infrastructure around major events, building on Liverpool’s reputation as an exciting place to live, work, study and play.
These announcements build on the recent announcements for £700 million to build new social and affordable housing, and £1.6 billion for public transport across Liverpool City Region, plus Pride in Place funding of up to £20 million each for Everton, Norris Green, Newsham Park and Speke.
Crucially, we also have a Government willing to work in partnership with councils and combined authorities to help us improve life for our residents. We can’t measure that in monetary terms, but for me as council leader, it is invaluable.
