Budget faces Makerfield Test as Burnham Demands Policies Work for Deprived Communities
Chancellor John Healey's first Budget will be judged against Andy Burnham's promise that every policy must help neglected constituencies like Makerfield.
At a glance
- Andy Burnham demands every government policy pass the 'Makerfield test' - working in deprived constituencies should work everywhere.
- Chancellor John Healey's first Budget will be judged on whether it helps people in Ashton afford shopping and businesses in Abram expand.
- Volunteer-run Platt Bridge Community Centre exemplifies the financial challenges facing communities Burnham represents.
Budget under Makerfield microscope
Chancellor John Healey's first Budget will be put to the test of whether policies work for Britain's most neglected communities, as promised by Labour MP Andy Burnham.
Burnham, who won the Makerfield by-election in June, pledged that every government policy must pass what he calls the 'Makerfield test' - if it works in this deprived constituency near Wigan, it should work everywhere.
Local challenges in focus
The test comes as communities like Platt Bridge face real financial pressures. At the Platt Bridge Community Centre, volunteers struggle to maintain an old building that serves 500 residents through activities like line dancing, table tennis, a food bank and a warm space.
Trustee Norman Smith describes the constant challenge: 'Sometimes the trustees feel like they're trying to keep all the plates spinning, it's very hard at times.' The centre recently raised thousands for a new roof, exemplifying the financial burdens on volunteer-run community assets.
What the test asks
Burnham wants to know whether the Budget will help people in Ashton feel they have more money for weekly shopping, or whether small businesses in Abram will gain confidence to expand and hire staff.
Zoe Billingham from IPPR North says the Budget represents a 'balancing act' between cost-of-living pressures and economic headwinds from global events like the war in Iran. 'It will be a really important budget to show who they [the government] stand for,' she says.
Residents watch closely
Nicha Rowson, 35, believes the Platt Bridge community feels 'being heard' under Burnham's stewardship. 'When residents speak to their local MP and councillors, they are taking in our voices,' she says.
Karen Jones, 67, from Ashton-in-Makerfield, will watch the Budget with interest. 'I want to see what they can do for people,' she says. '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, making Wednesday's announcement a critical moment for measuring whether his vision for fairer politics can translate into practical support for deprived communities.
Source: BBC Business
Questions and answers
- What is the Makerfield test?
- The Makerfield test is Andy Burnham's requirement that every government policy must work for his deprived constituency near Wigan - if it helps Makerfield, it should help similar communities nationwide.
- Why is this Budget important for Makerfield?
- This Budget will be judged against whether it provides practical support for residents facing cost-of-living pressures and helps local businesses grow, as demanded by Burnham's Makerfield test.
- How is the Platt Bridge Community Centre relevant?
- The volunteer-run centre exemplifies the financial challenges facing communities in Makerfield, having to raise thousands for a new roof while serving 500 residents with activities, food bank and warm space.
