Rachel Reeves says she ‘chooses investment’ as she prepares to unveil Labour’s spending review – UK politics live

Chancellor will reveal how the government plans to spend almost £1.4tn in 2026-27, rising to almost £1.5tr in 2028-29Shelter, the housing charity, has warmly welcomed the overnight announcement that the spending review will include £39bn for affordable housing. Mairi MacRae, director of campaigns and policy at the charity, said:This increased investment is a watershed moment in tackling the housing emergency. It’s a huge opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and start a bold new chapter for housing in this country. To truly tackle rising homelessness, it must come alongside a clear target for delivering social rent homes.For too long, past governments allowed thousands of social homes to be lost each year, while funnelling public money into so called ‘affordable homes’ which are priced far out of reach for many. The result has been record homelessness, and families, young people, and key workers priced out of their communities.News this morning dominated by money for affordable housing. The TOTAL funding of £39bn over ten years is being completed to the EXTRA capital investment by this government over five years. I’m reserving judgement on whether housing is a winner until we see more detail.Household budgets are still really feeling the squeeze, so many will be really disappointed to see that the government is moving to make the bus fare hike permanent.This will hit those who rely on public transport to get around to their local high street or to work and school in the pocket. People have been telling them they got this wrong, but Labour clearly isn’t listening. Continue reading...