TODAY'S mini-budget with a one penny in the pound cut in basis rate income tax and the abolition of the top 45 per cent band has been condemned for doing little to help the hard-up by Blackburn's Labour MP.

Kate Hollern warned many of her constituents would be worse not better off.

Her East Lancashire Tory counterparts welcomed Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng's changes as 'bold' moves to boost the economy after the coronavirus pandemic.

And they welcomed the plan to set up 38 low tax and red tape investment zones as an opportunity for East Lancashire.

Mrs Hollern said: "The mini-budget did little to support hard up East Lancashire families.

"The government is actually implementing tax cuts that benefit those on the highest incomes more than those on low incomes.

"A person with an income of £100,000 a year will be £1,000 better off whilst a person earning £20,000 will only be £93 better off – just £1.79 a week.

"It’s pretty obvious hardly anyone in my Blackburn constituency will be better off – most will still be worse off.

"A grim fairytale with no happy ending: the rich get a carrot and the poor get a stick."

Hyndburn Tory MP Sara Britcliffe said: "The statement represents both safeguarding constituents and unleashing our economy.

“The announcement that energy prices will be capped at £2,500 per annum and that the £400 energy payment will go ahead means constituents will save an average of £1,400 per annum on their bills.

“Constituents' payslips will be boosted by cuts to the basic rate of income tax and national insurance by an average of £345 in the next financial year.

“The announcement on investment zones means I can work to see how Hyndburn and Haslingden can benefit from low tax, high growth zones that provide great jobs and opportunities.”

Rossendale and Darwen MP and Conservative Party chairman Jake Berry said on Twitter: "Our plan for growth set out by Kwasi Kwarteng is a bold, exciting plan which cuts your taxes and unleashes Britain’s economic potential."

Burnley Tory MP Antony Higginbotham said: “It's time to be bold.

"That’s why this unapologetic focus on growth and household income is so welcome. Cutting income tax and national insurance, and capping energy is worth thousands to hard working families across Burnley and Padiham.

"It was fantastic to see that Lancashire is earmarked as a potential investment zone.”

Pendle MP and levelling up minister Andrew Stephenson said: "Cutting everyone’s energy bills by £1,400 this year will be welcomed by local families.

"I think investment zones provide a great opportunity for regeneration within Pendle and East Lancashire."

Ribble Valley Conservative MP and House of Commons Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans: "I will make sure that anyresidents contacting me with comments as to how they will impact on them will have their concerns directly raised with the chancellor. "