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Liverpool City Council Leader Cllr Liam Robinson has shared his thoughts on the recent budget announcement and its implications for local residents. He describes the budget as positive news, particularly for the city’s most vulnerable families. Among the key changes is the removal of the two child benefit cap, a move that Robinson says will have a significant impact given the current cost of living challenges. In Liverpool, where approximately one-third of households live in poverty, this change is expected to ease financial pressure on many families.
Robinson’s analysis indicates that 6,835 households in Liverpool receiving Universal Credit—amounting to over one in five—stand to gain from this budgetary reform. He highlights that this will support the Government’s commitment to reducing child poverty and also provide an economic uplift, as the additional funds are likely to be spent locally in shops and businesses. Alongside this, the expansion of free school meals for all Universal Credit recipients starting from September 2026 will mean roughly £500 per child annually will be directed to families, providing an extra financial cushion.
In efforts to maximize the benefits for Liverpool families, the council is simplifying the process for accessing free school meals, introducing automatic enrollment for eligible children. This initiative is anticipated to benefit an additional 550 households and will enhance financial support for schools through increased Pupil Premium payments of at least £1,000 per child. Furthermore, Robinson expressed satisfaction that the council’s advocacy, in partnership with Mayor Steve Rotheram, has resulted in the introduction of an overnight accommodation levy that includes holiday rentals such as Airbnbs. This measure aims to sustain Liverpool’s standing as a premier visitor destination and protect the tens of thousands of jobs linked to the tourism sector.
These latest measures complement earlier government announcements, including a £700 million investment in new social and affordable housing and £1.6 billion earmarked for public transportation improvements throughout the Liverpool City Region. Additional funding of up to £20 million each has been allocated to support the redevelopment of Everton, Norris Green, Newsham Park, and Speke through the Pride in Place initiative. Robinson emphasizes the importance of having a government willing to collaborate with councils and combined authorities, noting that while such cooperation cannot be quantified financially, it remains invaluable for improving the quality of life for Liverpool residents
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