Residents in Makerfield have reacted with hearty approval to Chancellor John Healey's first Budget, with many saying it passes the 'Makerfield Test' set by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Millions of households are to receive £100 to help with energy bills, fuel duty has been frozen again for drivers, and help for small businesses has been announced.
Local Reactions
Pensioner Brenda Holgate, 70, a retired chef who voted for Andy Burnham in June, said: "He's done good hasn't he?" She had hoped to see help for struggling families, for older people and businesses, and was not disappointed.
"Yes, he does pass the Makerfield test - how could he not? This helps a lot of people. Andy is one of us. He understands how life is," she added.
Community Support
Sue Hughes, 75, Chairperson at the Platt Bridge Community Centre, described the Budget as "a win for the working class" and for the PM.
"The verdict here is that this is a good Budget for lots of people," she said. "It's a win for the working class and for people who need the most help. The £100 payment might not sound like much if you're well off but to those who are struggling or with young families it will make a massive difference.
"And the standing charge is a major move. It's not been fair that you can sit there wearing all the coats you want, being cold, and still pay."
Business Reactions
In the shopping precinct, mum Georgia Dingsdale, 30, a teaching assistant, said she was happy to hear how the Budget would help so many.
"Look, there's no magic wand but this sounds like it's providing support for people who need it - and need it now," she said. "People kept telling us Andy Burnham was using us as a stepping stone but they're wrong. He's here all the time - this shows how he's working hard for us and the country."
At the Stubshaw Cross Community and Sports Club, self-employed electrician Martin Knowles, 51, watched the Chancellor roll out new mileage rates, a further hold on fuel rate rises and a hike in the thresholds for small business rate relief.
"That's great that. He can't attack everything straight away but he seems to be looking at a lot of the things what need addressing first, putting money back in people's pockets," he said.
The Club's General Manager, Adam Arstall, 44, also approves. "It feels like we've gone from being down and having no hope to having a government that's on our side," he said. "The Threshold for Small Business Rate Relief will save us £100 a month straight away.
"They've talked about passing the Makerfield Test - I think what he's done so far and today, really does, it stacks up."
