Budget brings millions for Portsmouth but council says more support is needed

Portsmouth residents and businesses could benefit from millions of pounds announced in the Budget, but the city council says the measures do not go far enough.

The funding covers housing, regeneration, energy bills and homelessness, alongside measures to support local businesses.

Wednesday’s Budget announcement by Chancellor John Healey included £1.5bn to deliver 10,000 homes across England, with council homes prioritised.

A further £125m was earmarked for 60 English local authorities to save derelict buildings and bring them back into communal use.

Some £80m was allocated to a local renewal fund, which will support projects across the country, create jobs and invest in economic regeneration.

From January next year, the Government will provide £100 to households in council tax bands A to D towards energy costs. It will also give £100m to English councils to help households affected by rising energy bills.

The budget also includes an additional £432m to help people sleeping rough in England find a route off the streets.

It also introduces increased business rates relief for pubs, social clubs and music venues, rising from 15 to 35 per cent from April 2027. More small shops, cafés and restaurants will also qualify for relief.

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “Any new funding is always welcome. However, the government’s budget clearly doesn’t go far enough to relieve the huge financial pressure on households and businesses.

“We will ensure the additional money for councils is maximised to support Portsmouth residents, businesses and our local economy.”

Stephen Morgan, Labour MP for Portsmouth South, said the Chancellor had “made the long-term choices that Portsmouth has needed following 14 years of decline and difficulty under the Conservatives”.

“This Labour Government is committed to ensuring more homes are built in communities, backing local businesses and entrepreneurs, putting power in the hands of our city’s community, and investing in the technologies and national security to shape the nation’s future.

“Fiscal discipline has been the foundation of the Government’s approach and it is only through this that we have been able to make these Labour choices.”

The Budget has faced criticism from business and public sector organisations.

Confederation of British Industry chief executive Rain Newton-Smith said it lacked the bold measures needed to help businesses invest, recruit and grow.

The Institute of Directors reported that 53 per cent of business leaders viewed the Budget negatively, with chief economist Anna Leach highlighting concerns over rising employment costs.

Meanwhile, Local Government Association chair Cllr Eamonn O’Brien warned that without increased overall funding, councils would continue to struggle to meet demand.