Autumn Budget Reaction.
Comment provided by Ruth Healey, President at registered women’s charity, Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI).
“In this week’s historic Autumn Budget delivered by the UK’s first female Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, there was encouraging news for women, but the government must do more to address gender-specific challenges.
“Increased spending on essential public services like the NHS, schools and social care, and the rise in National Living Wage, is reassuring.
“Women, and those they care for, heavily rely on these services and are more likely to work in these sectors, so this investment is particularly welcome. However, it’s not only the infrastructure that requires focus but issues such as childcare support and promoting pay equity also need urgent attention.
“Women have endured some of the hardest challenges due to austerity and economic disruptions in recent years. The rise in Employer’s NIC, and the lowered threshold for businesses, now present yet another hurdle for women in this group with concerns over how many jobs may be lost as a result.
“We do welcome the rise in the National Living Wage, as 58% of those receiving it are women. It is hoped this adjustment will provide meaningful daily support.
“In supporting women, Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland welcomes the increase to child benefit and maternity pay (along with paternity, adoption and shared parental pay), knowing this will help many women day to day, but we know that this is not enough.
“Addressing gender-specific challenges, such as providing more accessible childcare support, addressing pay inequality, and investing in sectors where women are underrepresented, remains essential for fostering an inclusive economy.
“While the budget promises measures to assist vulnerable communities, issues such as the gender pay gap persist. Women in full-time roles earn an average of 7.9% less than men, according to the Office for National Statistics.
“This wage disparity places women at greater risk of financial hardship, increasing the likelihood of falling into rent arrears and facing housing insecurity. Therefore, while these areas need some thought, the government earmarking £230 million to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping, is positive.
“These are vital investments for women, as homelessness often affects them differently than men. Homeless women are more likely to be “hidden” from view and to have faced abuse or trauma both before and during homelessness, according to Homeless Link.
“Our charity and all its members – known as Soroptimists – are dedicated to advancing women’s equality and ensuring safe environments for women to thrive. We believe, while this is a good first step, broader support is essential to address underlying causes like gender-based violence and economic inequality.
“We hope to see more support for Violence Against Women and Girls from the government as the new term gets underway.
“While the budget represents a positive step in the right direction, it is only the beginning of much-needed changes that are long overdue. Time will tell how effectively certain elements of this week’s statement will benefit women, and whether the current adjustments will provide enough support as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact households, women and the people they care for.”