SINCE the election, hundreds of local people have written to me saying they want to be able to walk over our mountains and moorlands. This week the government announced clear and fair access proposals that balance rights and responsibilities for both walkers and landowners. The new statutory right of access will apply to about four million acres of open, uncultivated countryside. It will ensure that the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside can be enjoyed by the many, not just the privileged few.

This week's budget delivers a better deal for Warrington, rewarding work and supporting families. Increased Child Benefit for 25,000 local families and 30,000 local pensioners who are better off, with a huge increase in the winter fuel allowance to £100. And two thirds of pensioners will now pay no tax at all.

Local schools and hospitals have already been given extra funding. Now every school in Warrington will get an extra £2,000 to buy books. I am determined Warrington Hospital will benefit from the new money to improve accident and emergency services and I have already been lobbying ministers.

Within weeks we will have a new 10p rate of income tax, with the basic rate of tax cut to 22p, the lowest for 70 years. The Labour government is helping people on low and middle incomes and making work pay. At the same time we are helping small businesses to grow and prosper with investment incentives and a cut in the rate of small business tax to just 10p.

We promised to reject the boom and bust of the past and to run a sound and stable economy. This budget fulfils our promise. It's a better deal for families and pensioners, a better deal for business and a better deal for Warrington.

HELEN SOUTHWORTH MP.

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