Catholic Union Head of Public Affairs, James Somerville-Meikle, comments on the Budget.
“The focus of this Budget is rightly on preparing the country for Coronavirus – and it’s good to see extra funds being made available to support our NHS and public services.
“Coronavirus is putting extra pressure on our struggling care sector, highlighting the need to find a long-term solution to social care in this Parliament. Elderly people need good quality care more than ever.
“Whilst increases in the national living wage and a higher national insurance threshold are welcome, it’s disappointing that the Budget has missed the opportunity to lift the two-child benefit cap. We will continue to work with other groups to call for this deeply unfair policy to be scrapped.
“More money to build affordable homes and end rough sleeping is good news. But our ageing prisons have been denied substantial investment once again. At a time when the Government talks of putting more people behind bars, we need these places to be fit for purpose, where rehabilitation is possible.”