Communities in Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Makerfield constituency are grappling with severe financial pressures as households face mounting bills and energy costs, with the Budget set to be tested against what residents and think tanks say should become a standard measure of government policy effectiveness. Platt Bridge Community Centre, near Wigan, serves around 500 people and relies entirely on volunteers to run activities including line dancing classes, a table tennis club, a food bank and a warm space. Trustee Norman Smith said running the centre comes with tremendous financial challenges because it is an old building and the volunteers must work hard to keep it functioning.
When Burnham won the Makerfield by-election in June, he pledged that every government policy would have to meet a "Makerfield test". In his victory speech, he said: "A Makerfield test at the heart of British politics will make sure that the places Westminster has neglected will now get fairness." Zoe Billingham from the think tank IPPR North said the Budget will be a "balancing act" between the pressures people face from rising costs and economic headwinds. She said it will be a "really important budget to show who they stand for" and described the Makerfield test as "a really valuable way of making sure that the economy works in service of ordinary people".
The government has already announced several cost-of-living measures, including a £2 bus fare cap, the removal of VAT on domestic electricity bills and business rates relief for pubs and live music venues. Platt Bridge and nearby Spring View have also been awarded £20m over the next 10 years through Pride in Place funding. Sue Hughes, chair of the Platt Bridge trustees, said: "I can't complain about the support this area is being given, but more support is always welcome."
Despite these measures, residents report that help has not reached them yet. Sophie Lowe, 29, from Abram, said she has not felt the benefit of any of Burnham's policies. She left her job in Merseyside and found work closer to home because the cost of petrol was too high. Joanne Ainscow, a 57-year-old foster carer and line dancer, said she now spends at least £20 more every time she fills up at the pumps. She also wants the government to exempt foster carers from council tax, pointing out that some local authorities offer full exemptions while many others do not.
Karen Jones, 67, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, said she will be watching the Budget with interest. She told the BBC: "People are struggling to earn a decent living and then they're taxed quite a lot on it, there should be a little bit more relief for them, I think." The Budget coincides with Burnham's first 100 days in office, with residents and officials saying the steps the government takes on Wednesday could determine how well the next phase of his administration is received.