Stories

Tue, 27 Oct 2026

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 Will the Budget pass Burnham's Makerfield test?

People in the prime minister's constituency say rising costs are squeezing household finances.

*Sue Hughes, chairwoman of the trustees, thinks the government is already recognising the area's needs. Platt Bridge and nearby Spring View have been awarded £20m over the next 10 years through Pride in Place funding.
*Karen Jones, a line dancer at Platt Bridge Community Centre, says she will be watching the Budget on Wednesday with interest. She wants to see what the chancellor can do for people. "People are struggling to earn a decent living and then they're taxed quite a lot on it," she said. "There should be a little bit more relief for them, I think."
*Nicha Rowson believes the Platt Bridge community is "being heard" under Andy Burnham's stewardship. She thinks if politicians listen to what residents are saying, Makerfield could become "this amazing place".
*Karen Jones, 67, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, says she wants the chancellor to look at helping people keep more of their money. "People are struggling to earn a decent living and then they're taxed quite a lot on it," she said.
*Zoe Rowson thinks the government can do more to help workers like her by exempting them from council tax. Some local authorities offer a 100% discount or full exemption for foster carers in the UK, while many others do not.