Residents of Britain's unhappiest town plead with the Chancellor ahead of Budget: 'We need help!'
Andy Burnham ally labels rejoin EU push 'hugely damaging' as Labour MPs revolt
TL;DR
- Barrow-in-Furness, often ranked as 'Britain's unhappiest town', faces significant economic challenges and low wellbeing.
- The town, which once housed the world's largest steel mill, is now home to BAE Systems, a major defense contractor.
- Local residents and business owners are pleading with the Chancellor for financial assistance and measures to boost the town center.
- Concerns include high business taxes, a lack of footfall, and the negative impact of the recent closure of Barrow Market on local businesses.
- A recent poll indicated that 57% of Britons favor defense spending over welfare, a sentiment that contrasts with the pleas of Barrow's residents.
- Suggestions for improvement include reducing VAT for small businesses and investing directly into town centers to revive them.