SOMERSET Labour’s Cllr Leigh Redman has written to the new Chancellor to stand up for Somerset and insist our community shouldn’t pay the price for the economic crisis made in Downing Street.

On Monday October 17, the fourth Chancellor in four months, Jeremy Hunt announced plans to cut public spending following the disastrous mini-budget with the vital services provided by our local council expected to be in the firing line on October 31.

Cllr Leigh Redman also called on Somerset Conservative MP’s, to put their community ahead of their career and join the fight to defend Somerset.

In the letter Cllr Redman writes: “The country faces an economic crisis made in Downing Street.”

“The Conservatives’ reckless mini-budget has crashed the economy and working people in Somerset are already paying the price. Mortgages are up, rents are rising, prices are soaring and the cost of borrowing has gone through the roof. We are all poorer as a result of that catastrophic mistake, and for what? To pay for unfunded tax cuts for the richest in society. The Bank of England has been forced to intervene, and your party has created a multi-billion pound black hole in the nation’s finances.”

“No one was talking about spending cuts before the Conservatives tanked the British economy.”

“None of us voted for this ridiculous failed experiment and our areas shouldn’t be punished for your mistakes. Local services were already under serious strain due to rampant inflation, soaring interest rates, and rising demand. Roads need to be repaired, we have to bring down crime, children need after-school clubs, bins have to be emptied, and streets must be kept clean. We need to build affordable housing, and we need to invest in the support that business needs to thrive.”

“Families in Somerset shouldn’t lose services and support to cover the cost of your incompetence.”

"Don't take your mistakes out on us. Somerset shouldn’t pay the price for Conservative Incompetence.”

Calling on Somerset Conservative MPs to join the fight to defend Somerset, Labour’s Cllr Redman added:

“Our community must always come first. This isn’t about party loyalty, this is about a government that has lost control of the economy, and is now eyeing up cuts to our services, support our residents rely on to cover the costs of an economic crisis made in Downing Street.

“So please put Somerset first, and join the fight for Somerset. Tell your friends in Government don’t take it out on us. Somerset shouldn’t pay the price for their incompetence.”