Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Defence Secretary John Healey have set out their priorities and concerns ahead of the autumn Budget 2026, with both highlighting the pressures facing their respective areas of responsibility.
Local Services Under Pressure
Burnham warned that local services in Greater Manchester are facing significant financial strain, calling for a funding settlement that addresses the region's needs. He stressed the importance of investment in transport, housing, and skills to support economic growth and public wellbeing.
The mayor's comments come as councils across England continue to grapple with rising costs and demand for services, with many warning that without additional support, frontline services could be cut.
Defence Spending Priorities
Healey, meanwhile, emphasised the need for sustained investment in defence, citing global security challenges and the importance of maintaining the UK's military capabilities. He indicated that the autumn Budget would be a key moment for the government to demonstrate its commitment to defence.
Both figures spoke ahead of the Budget, which is expected to set out the government's fiscal plans for the coming year. Their remarks underline the competing demands on the Treasury as it balances investment in public services with defence and other priorities.
The autumn Budget 2026 is due to be delivered later this year, and the statements from Burnham and Healey signal the challenges the government faces in allocating resources across a range of pressing needs.
