Will the Budget pass Burnham's Makerfield test?
Summary
The article examines whether Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s first Budget will improve life in his Makerfield constituency, where residents face high living costs and community groups struggle to fund basic needs. Residents and local representatives say they want support that helps households and small businesses, while a community centre has received £20 million in Pride in Place funding over 10 years.Key Facts
- Platt Bridge Community Centre is run by volunteers and serves about 500 people, offering activities, a food bank and a warm space.
- The centre recently raised thousands of pounds for a new roof.
- Makerfield is described as one of the most deprived parts of Wigan.
- Think tank IPPR North representative Zoe Billingham said the Budget will have to balance household cost pressures with wider economic challenges.
- Platt Bridge and nearby Spring View have been awarded £20 million over 10 years through Pride in Place funding.
- The government has announced a £2 bus fare cap, removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills and business rates relief for pubs and live music venues.
- Sophie Lowe, a mother of a two-year-old, said rising petrol costs led her to leave a job in Merseyside for work closer to home.
- The article says Burnham has admitted that existing cost-of-living measures are not enough and has hinted at further Budget support.
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