THE man hoping to be the next MP for Darwen says a new report shows that Government cuts are targeting northern councils and negatively affecting towns like Darwen more than any other.

Will Straw, prospective parliamentary candidate for Labour in Rossendale and Darwen next year, said: “The report on health inequalities which was prepared for Public Health England shows how many northern areas face the lowest life expectancy in the UK.

“Blackburn with Darwen’s ‘Index of Multiple Deprivation’, a measure of poverty, is worse than most.

“It is higher than most councils because people have faced more cuts per person, around £300 for every single resident from 2010 to 2015 compared to just £50 in some places.

“The report makes a number of recommendations including promoting the living wage, more resources for childcare, introducing a national industrial strategy that reduces inequalities between the regions, and the devolution of more funds to the local level.”