THERE is much in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement that can benefit people in Warrington, according to Ian Marks, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the borough council.
It offers help with fuel duty, rail fares, and extending nursery care for two-year-olds so it now reaches 40 per cent of children, he said. 
It has also increased the bank levy to ensure banks pay their fair share.
Cllr Marks (pictured) said: “The Autumn Statement has been delivered in incredibly difficult and uncertain times.
“Getting the economic fundamentals right is crucial. In Europe, failure to take firm control of spending has had catastrophic consequences for some countries. Here Labour wants to spend more, borrow more and increase debt – just at the point where we see that countries that borrow more end up in a state of crisis.”
Cllr Marks said Liberal Democrat ministers had pressed the Chancellor for resources to be prioritised towards offering practical help to those that need it most and towards investing in infrastructure to rebalance the economy.
“Liberal Democrat policy being delivered in Government has already secured income tax cuts for people on low and middle incomes and action to tackle youth unemployment through the Youth Contract recently announced by the Deputy Prime Minister.
“We must ensure that young people in Warrington gain from this new deal.”
Cllr Marks said, most importantly, the Autumn Statement secured further investment for the long term.
“It delivers an extra £5 bn in capital spending on projects across the country including several in the North West, an extra £1 bn to the Regional Growth Fund, and a credit easing package of £20 bn to secure cheaper access to finance for small businesses.
“It is good that the Chancellor made specific mention of the Atlantic Gateway project saying he wanted to help turn the vision into reality. This should provide a major boost to our local economy because Warrington sits in the middle of the Ship Canal corridor the project covers.”
Much to benefit us says Lib Dem leader
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
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Meanwhile, back on Planet Earth… Marks has become an apologist for this Government, just goes to prove that voting Lib Dem gives you a Tory!
Maybe Councillor Marks should have a chat with his colleagues who are concerned that far from benefiting Warrington the Atlantic Gateway Project and infrastructure investment in the new toll bridge will increase pollution and grind the town to a halt.