UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced her first multi-year spending review on Wednesday, dividing up more than £2 trillion of public money between government departments and setting their budgets until 2029.

She told MPs in the House of Commons her priorities are heath, defence and the economy. Reeves promised “record cash investment”' with an extra £29 bn a year for the health service. Spending on the military will rise from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.6 per cent by 2027. Transport, housing and schools will see a boost too.

The spending review garnered a lot of reaction from all sectors of society this week.

Here’s what Christian leaders and charity bosses had to say:

Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Newcastle and Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester:

“We applaud the Government’s focus on increasing the supply of affordable and social housing, and hope that this renewed investment will move us towards the vision outlined in the Archbishops’ Commission's 'Coming Home' report that all housing should be safe, stable, sustainable, sociable and satisfying.

“As we reflect on the aims outlined by the Chancellor today, we remember our calling as followers of Jesus Christ, who came to bring good news to the poor. It is therefore a moral and practical imperative to ensure that public spending is focused particularly on people living in poverty or who otherwise have been made vulnerable by their circumstances. In that context, while we recognise and affirm the Government's responsibility to safeguard our national security, this requires investment not just in defence, but also in development and diplomacy, in order to address, prevent and resolve the root causes of conflicts. We should not neglect our duty of care to some of the poorest people in the world, including many within the Anglican Communion.”

Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, said:

“With so many churches across the country unable to pay for repairs, we are going to see even more fall into despair and close. It is the most vulnerable in society that loses out if this happens. The DCMS [The Department of Culture, Media & Sport] can help halt this heritage crisis by funding the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme in their budget – without a harsh cap – so that any listed place of worship can claim back the full 20% of VAT costs which will help to keep their church open and serving the community.”

Jennifer Larbie, Christian Aid's Head of Campaigns and UK Advocacy said:   

“The Chancellor hasn’t moved an inch to salvage the UK’s now fragile credibility with Global South governments.   

“Today brings no guarantee that the government will keep its promise on climate finance. How can we fear anything but more broken promises like those we saw earlier this year with international aid?”