SERVICES in Bury are at 'breaking point' and the Chancellor should have used his Spring Statement to alleviate austerity said Bury's council leader.

On Tuesday Philip Hammond issued his Spring Statement to the House of Commons announcing improved growth forecasts, up from 1.4 per cent to 1.5 per cent.

Mr Hammond told MPs that forecasts are there to be 'beaten' and ruled out a speedy end to austerity measures.

Bury leader, Cllr Rishi Shori, said: “Year on year cuts brought about by this Tory government’s infatuation with austerity have left public services in Bury stretched to breaking point.

"Since 2010 we have had £73 million ripped from our budget and that will rise to £100 million by 2020.

"For context, that is about the same amount of money that it would cost to bring every road in Bury up to the high standard we deserve.

“Our partners in the police, fire service and other public services have also had massive cuts which have had a real impact on our communities.

"The government should think again and give us the money we need to deliver the vital frontline services local people rely on.”

Mr Hammond also revealed that public sector borrowing was down and announced consultations on a number of new policies like a possible single-use plastic tax.

Bury North MP James Frith, said: “The Tories had the opportunity to use the Spring Statement to reverse their tax giveaways to the rich and bring forward the funding needed to end the crisis in local government and support small businesses.

“Instead, business confidence has plummeted and councils have been used as human shields to absorb Tory spending cuts that are bringing local authorities to the brink of bankruptcy. This inaction is unacceptable.”