WE welcome the Labour Government’s new £273 million settlement for Bradford Council, which marks a vital change of direction after 14 years of Conservative underinvestment.
Over that period, Bradford has seen its budget slashed by £350 million. The impact of those cuts has been felt across our district – in stretched local services, reduced support for vulnerable residents, and a constant struggle for the council to meet growing demand with shrinking resources.
This new settlement will not undo more than a decade of damage overnight, but it is an important and positive step forward. It shows that the Labour Government recognises the scale of the challenge facing councils like Bradford and is prepared to begin repairing the harm caused by years of neglect.
For communities in Keighley and across the Bradford district, this investment offers renewed hope that local services can be stabilised and rebuilt. After so long being asked to do more with less, it is encouraging to see a Government finally prepared to invest properly in local government.
Martyn Oliver, Amanda Patchett and Ash Whitehead, Keighley West Labour Party candidates
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