BARROW'S MP said he hoped to see 'movement' on public sector pay and the minimum wage ahead of today's Budget.

Simon Fell also wanted to see an announcement regarding Barrow Borough Council's bid for £16 million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Mr Fell said the bid, if successful, would constitute the 'starting pistol' for boosting the town's high street.

"Beyond that, I'd like to see support for our local pubs and hospitality venues - on fuel duty and on business rates," he said.

More than £30 billion of investment has already been revealed by the Treasury ahead of Chancellor Rishi Sunak's Budget.

Among the announcements has been £2.6 billion to create school places for children with disabilities and special educational needs.

Areas including Greater Manchester, the West Midlands and South Yorkshire are set to benefit from nearly £7 billion for transport projects such as tram improvements.

However, South Lakes MP Tim Farron said plans for levelling up transport were 'completely ignoring' the rural North 'despite public transport being far more unreliable in places like Cumbria'.

“This pandemic has been particularly tough on young people, whose lives have effectively been on hold for the past 18 months, so I would really like to see this budget focus on investing in skills and training to give them the best possible career opportunities, but also on much-needed mental health support," he said.

Copeland MP Trudy Harrison said she was 'confident' the Budget would 'deliver a stronger economy for Copeland and the UK'.

“I believe the measures set out will strengthen our public finances, get debt falling and drive economic growth by investing in infrastructure, innovation and skills, while both supporting businesses to recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and incentivising them to invest," she said.

“It will also help working families meet the cost of living and support vulnerable households, and deliver stronger public services and level up all corners of the UK.”

Readers also had their say after being asked what they would like to see in the Budget.

Antöny Statham said: "Beer tax in pubs abolished."

Tom Ashton said: "More money for arts and culture."

Steven Smith said: "The removal of VAT from domestic energy bills."

Charlie Dowthwaite said the list was 'endless' but included 'chasing after tax dodgers' and 'a big taxation on the monarchy'.

Mr Sunak will announce the Budget in the House of Commons. It is expected this will be around 12.30pm.