Economic Justice Brum responds to Autumn 2025 Budget

The 2025 Budget — promoted as a plan for “growth” and “fairness” — leaves many of Birmingham’s communities still waiting for the meaningful changes that would make a difference. Across our city, people are dealing with rising costs, pressure on family finances, and overstretched local services. And while this Budget offers some welcome signs of intent, it does not yet deliver the sustained, community-centred investment our neighbourhoods need to thrive. 

 What we welcome 

 A commitment to rebuilding public services at the national level. The acknowledgement that services need reinvestment is a step forward – but that reinvestment must reach cities like ours. 

• Signals of intent on economic fairness. The government’s willingness to address inequality more openly, for example with the removal of the two child benefit limit and the introduction of the High Value Council Tax surcharge, creates space for communities to push for deeper reform. 

• Recognition that parts of the country have been left behind by successive governments for too long. Could this be the opportunity for places like Birmingham to make the case for the resources and powers we need? 

 Where the Budget still falls short 

 Household budgets remain under strain. With tax thresholds frozen and several taxes rising, many families will continue to see their disposable income squeezed. For communities already juggling rising rents, childcare costs and everyday essentials, this Budget brings little immediate relief. 

• Local services still lack secure, long-term funding. Birmingham is still without a clear path to stable resources for youth services, social care, libraries, neighbourhood programmes and housing support — all of which are vital to a resilient city. 

• No strong framework for local economic renewal. Despite the language of growth, the Budget does not provide enough long-term investment to strengthen local businesses, support community-led initiatives or create secure, well-supported jobs. 

 What Birmingham needs next 

 Decision-making shaped by  people who live there, giving communities meaningful influence over how funding is allocated and how services are designed.  

• Investment that strengthens neighbourhoods, supporting community organisations, local enterprises and the social infrastructure that keeps people connected through hubs, green spaces and community assets. 

• A strategy that expands opportunity, with investment in training and skills, secure jobs, affordable housing and services like SEND provision that help people build stable futures. 

• A fairer tax system, ensuring those with the broadest shoulders contribute more so that communities can rebuild. 

• Devolution plans and funding that gives Birmingham City Council the stability to plan and deliver high-quality services. 

Economic Justice Brum believes in the power of our communities  and the resilience, imagination and solidarity shown across this city give us real hope. This Budget may fall short, but it could give Birmingham the chance to organise, to advocate, and to press for an economy that truly works for everyone.