Rishi Sunak on spending spree on skills, healthcare in UK Budget
London: UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak on Sunday unveiled a series of spending pledges ahead of his Autumn Budget statement next week, including GBP 5 billion towards health research and innovation and GBP 3 billion for education and skills.
The Indian-origin finance minister, who has been in charge of the country's financial response to the pandemic, reiterated his promise to do whatever it takes to help businesses and working families.
Among the pledges unveiled by his Treasury department ahead of Wednesday's Budget speech, GBP 1.4 billion has been earmarked to encourage foreign investment into UK businesses and attract overseas talent; GBP 700 million to be spent mainly on the new post-Brexit borders and immigration system, as well as a new maritime patrol fleet; GBP 560 million for adult maths coaching to help increase numeracy; and a six-month extension to the COVID recovery loan scheme to June 2022.
I know that families here at home are feeling the pinch of higher prices and are worried about the months ahead, Sunak writes in the Sun on Sunday'.
But I want you to know, we will continue to do whatever it takes, we will continue to have your backs just like we did during the pandemic. And while we cannot solve these problems overnight, I'm determined to meet these challenges head on, with the same grit and determination this great nation has shown throughout the pandemic, he writes.
At the heart of his plans is a so-called skills revolution covering T-Level skills qualifications for 16 to 19-year-olds.
"This GBP 3 billion skills revolution builds on our Plan for Jobs and will spread opportunity across the UK by transforming post-16 education giving people the skills they need to earn more and get on in life, said Sunak.
And, around 500,000 people are expected to benefit from a new Multiply programme of free personal tutoring, digital training, and flexible courses. Better maths can mean a better job and a bigger pay packet. Multiply will help people develop new skills and create opportunities, added Sunak.
