Wednesday’s Budget offers welcome help with energy bills and a commitment to further social housing investment, writes Anthony Horan of the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office.

These measures respond to some of the concerns raised in our pre-Budget statement. Short-term relief must, however, be matched by sustained action to tackle poverty and ensure that everyone can afford essential costs and a warm, secure home.

This Budget risks tinkering at the edges rather than making the long-term, sustainable commitments needed to support those most in need.

Ultimate test

The ultimate test of this Budget will be whether support reaches those in greatest need, including households with higher unavoidable heating costs, and whether devolved governments have the resources required to sustain vital services.

Adequate welfare support, practical routes into employment, care for those who need it and predictable funding for community organisations must remain priorities.

We continue to urge the UK Government to reverse the planned reduction in international aid and work towards restoring the 0.7% commitment, provide adequately funded safe and legal routes for refugees, including resettlement and family reunion, and support the communities that welcome them.

Predictable international climate finance is also essential, alongside protection for low-income households in the transition to cleaner energy.

Human dignity and the common good must guide the Government’s choices: the lasting measure of this Budget will be the difference it makes to the lives of those facing the greatest hardship, at home and overseas.

Anthony Horan is Director of the Catholic Pariamentary Office. Follow him on X here.