Spending Review 2025

Rachael Maskell Excerpts

Wednesday 11th June 2025 Commons Chamber

[Rachel Reeves]

The hon. Gentleman makes a really important point. What we did today was not just set out money for next year; we have set out money for day-to-day spending for the next three years, and for capital spending for the next five years. Wherever people are in the UK, it is vital that local councils, the devolved Administrations and community groups can plan for the future with confidence. That is what we have done with this spending review, and I urge the devolved Administrations to do similar and make multi-year settlements in order to give certainty for the future.

[Rachael Maskell (York Central) (Lab/Co-op)]

Despite being the lowest-funded unitary authority in the country, we are doing everything possible to drive down inequality in the city of York, but the differential has stayed at 13 years. Today’s announcement of investment in health, investment in social housing and investment in education will make a real difference for my constituents. However, I worry about the inequality for disabled people in our country. I have looked through the statement. Will the Chancellor give assurances that if disabled people are unable to work, they will not be left behind, and that we will ensure that we have the social security they need, so that they, too, can gain from today’s statement?

[Rachel Reeves]

Part of the investment in the north of England is for the trans-Pennine route upgrade, which my hon. Friend and I both welcome. The investments in health and education are important, but so too is supporting disabled people, which is why £1 billion has been set aside in the spending review to help get people back to work. Many disabled people are desperate to work, if the right support is available. Of course, the social security system and the welfare state must always be there for people who cannot work, and under this Labour Government they will be.