Lewes MP welcomes spending review which ‘shows Conservatives’ commitment to fight coronavirus’

The Government set out an ambitious plan that focuses on levelling up across the country, investing in vital infrastructure that will ensure the UK builds back better from coronavirus, Mrs Caulfield said.

As part of the Government’s commitments to fund the nation’s priorities, Mrs Caulfield said the spending review confirmed:

- A further £55million to help with our response to coronavirus – including £18billion for mass testing, Test and Trace, PPE and vaccines, and £3billion to support NHS recovery.

- A funding boost for the NHS. Next year, the health budget will grow by £6.6billion, allowing us to deliver 50,000 more nurses and 50 million more GP appointments. We are investing in new technologies, building 40 new hospitals, upgrading 70 more and replacing the vast majority of ageing diagnostic equipment.

- More money for schools, meaning every pupil in the country will see a year-on-year funding increase of at least two per cent. We are also funding our commitment to rebuild 500 schools over the next decade and are providing £375million to deliver the Prime Minister’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.

- £400million to recruit 6,000 new police officers – meaning we are on track to meet our manifesto pledge to recruit 20,000 more police officers by 2023.

- More than £24billion investment in defence – the biggest sustained increase in 30 years – allowing us to provide security not just for our country but around the world.

- An increase in core spending power for local authorities by an estimated 4.5 per cent, along with over £3billion of additional coronavirus support and an extra £254million of funding to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

- Capital spending of £100billion next year, meaning vital investment in roads, rail, hospitals, schools, broadband and housing.

- A new Levelling Up Fund, worth £4billion in England and £800million in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to build the infrastructure of everyday life.

- A new National Infrastructure Strategy, and a new UK infrastructure bank - headquartered in the north of England - to work with the private sector to finance major new investment projects across the UK.

- Support for every country across the United Kingdom, increasing Scottish Government funding by £2.4billion, Welsh Government funding by £1.3billion, and £900million for the Northern Ireland Executive.

Mrs Caulfield said: “The Chancellor’s Spending Review tackles this unprecedented situation head on – ensuring lives and livelihoods in the Lewes constituency are protected and supported in the weeks and months ahead.

“At the same time, I was elected at last year’s General Election on a commitment to level up communities like ours, and I am thrilled that this Conservative Government is now making good on that promise – by delivering a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure that will create jobs, grow the economy and increase pride in the place we call home.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, MP Rishi Sunak said: “The Spending Review delivers the priorities of the British people. Our health emergency is not yet over, and the economic emergency has only just begun; so our immediate priority is to protect people’s lives and livelihoods.

“But the Spending Review also delivers stronger public services - paying for new hospitals, better schools and safer streets.

“And it delivers a once-in-a-generation transformation in our approach to infrastructure. Creating jobs, growing the economy, and increasing pride in the places people call home.”