Bradford, recently tagged the UK’s City of Culture for 2025, is basking in a year-long party. The city is putting its dynamic arts community and cultural diversity on display, as never before. It is a recognition the city has long awaited, and in terms of culture. At the same time, it is an area with enormous challenges, including high levels of deprivation and child poverty. On Budget Day, the community’s hopes are high for relief measures that could take some of the economic burden off of their shoulders.
The sun hadn’t yet come up over Bradford on that historic July morning. As the dawn light began to break, residents were beginning to face the realities of their new economic and cultural landscape. One of those was Saleem Kader, owner of Bombay Stores. This independent hospitality venue and music scene support has been a community anchor in Bradford since the 1960s. Kader says that during his years in business, he’s witnessed countless budgets in and out. He understands how these fiscal decisions will impact the companies and families who call ICE their home.
Bradford has some of the highest child poverty rates in the UK. Northamptonshire’s local charities feel that by abolishing the two-child benefit cap, families in need could receive the support they need the most to prosper. Bradford’s food pantry sells groceries to neighbors at low, subsidized rates. Further, it acts as an essential lifeline for the low-income residents that depend on it during tough economic times. This community resource powerfully illustrates the incredibly acute need for this financial support in the context of skyrocketing costs and flat-lined wages.
Kader has felt the effects of last year’s budget. The impact of these huge tax increases on employers, particularly the increase in National Insurance contributions, has hit him particularly hard. In addition, he shared the impact these changes have placed on his wallet.
“We’ve seen a steady increase in costs for the business, at the same time we’ve seen reluctance from customers, their spending power’s reduced.” – Saleem Kader
As Bradford considers its future as a cultural powerhouse, the fiscal realities are very real. Residents can only hope that today’s budget will serve their urgent interests. Kader stressed that he wanted to see measures that would immediately save consumers money.
“So what I’d like to hear from the chancellor today are measures that would actually put more money in consumers’ pockets.” – Saleem Kader
As Emma Vardy, reporting from Bradford, confirmed Kader’s statement, it highlighted the urgent need for substantive financial relief provided to local families.
“I’d like the chancellor to put more money in consumers’ pockets.” – Emma Vardy
Though Bradford’s moves to invest in cultural amenities are sure to strengthen the city’s image and sense of community, Bradford is still at a critical bind. The obstacles it confronts need clear-eyed reflection and bold leadership from our elected leaders to turn around.
We have brave residents waiting for the next announcement from the Chancellor. They cling to the belief that this year’s budget will set them up for better days ahead.