A SOUTH Cumbrian MP has labelled the budget ‘the right approach’ for Furness and said it invests into some of the areas that are ‘priorities’ for the region.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves outlined how the Labour government would raise £40 billion in taxes, raise the minimum wage and increase the ‘day to day’ health budget by £22.6 billion during her autumn budget on October 30.

Labour MP for Barrow and Furness Michelle Scrogham said the budget ‘fixes the foundations’ for growth and added she was ‘delighted’ to hear Barrow mentioned in relation to a green hydrogen project.

Mrs Scrogham said: “Rachel Reeves said she is focussing on investment, investment, investment. For me that is exactly the right approach for us here in Furness.

“We have huge potential to be leading the way with a revitalised manufacturing sector, vibrant small and medium sized businesses, and using our unique location to become a national centre for the green energy transition.

“I was delighted to hear specific mention of Barrow in the speech today when the chancellor promised investment for a pioneering local green hydrogen project.”

Ms Reeves told parliament she is providing funding for 11 green hydrogen projects across England, Scotland and Wales as part of a bid to make Britain a ‘clean energy superpower’.

Ms Reeves said: “They will be amongst the first commercial scale projects anywhere in the world including in Bridgend, East Renfrewshire and Barrow-in-Furness.”

The funding will support the development of a green hydrogen project in Barrow powered by 100 per cent renewables and is expected to employ around 200 people during its construction, as well as around 10 people full-time once in operation.

According to budget documents, the government has pledged to increase funding for the core schools budget by £2.3 billion, with £1 billion of this funding going towards supporting the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system.

Ms Scrogham added “This budget also invests in some of the areas that are of biggest priority for all of us locally. More money into schools for more teachers, tripling investment in school breakfast clubs, increasing SEND funding by £1bn.

“There is also more money for roads, hospitals, a commitment to reform and reduce business rates, and support for small family-owned farms and businesses through Agricultural Property Relief (APR), and Business Property Relief (BPR). As well as, of course, a decent rise for low paid workers.”

Budget documents state the 100 per cent rate of relief will continue for the first £1 million of combined agricultural and business assets.

However, from April 2026 inheritance tax will apply with the 50 per cent relief on assets over £1 million.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron criticised the changes to agricultural property relief warning the ‘victims’ will be tenant farmers in Cumbria and across the country.

Mr Farron said: “She is incentivising large landowners to enact a new Lakeland clearances. Small family-owned farms will also be hit by this and will be forced to sell up, with young people robbed of their opportunity to farm.”