Leeds MP’s Budget Response

John Battle, Labour MP for Leeds West, was in the House of Commons for the Budget statement.

“More money for the NHS is very welcome - I know that my constituents will tell me how glad they are to see it,” said Mr Battle. “But it is important that we make sure the extra funds get through to local services on the frontline, and in Leeds a vital part of that is making sure that the new Primary Care Trusts are properly funded.

“I also welcome the anti-poverty focus. Reducing poverty is one of our main aims and these measures will have a real impact on many people’s lives, especially children.

“Health, education and poverty are the top budget priorities, quite rightly, although the enterprise measures and increased international aid are also good news, and bingo players will be very pleased. But in the future I would like to see housing also taking its place as a priority for the government - I was Labour’s housing spokesman in Opposition and I know that housing is a vital public service that needs investment too, in Leeds and everywhere else.”