CHANCELLOR Gordon Brown has delayed the date of this year's Budget.

It has been set for April 9, the day before Parliament is to close for Easter.

Given Labour's record on pensions, taxes and the economy, proper debate and scrutiny of the Budget will be vital. The reality is that the Government's domestic agenda is now in crisis. The Chancellor must not be allowed to hide the Budget. The full extent of the pensions crisis is becoming clear. This is a crisis that has been caused in large part by Gordon Brown's £5 Billion a year raid on Britain's pension savers.

Taxes, from National Insurance Contributions to Council Tax, are going up -- thanks to Gordon Brown and this Labour Government and council. A typical family will be £568 worse off next year. We have had 53 tax rises under Labour, yet we are not seeing the improvements in public services we all want to see. Enough is enough. Labour are taxing, and spending and failing. Labour have made you pay, now it is time to make them pay at the May local elections!

Andy Morgan

(Councillor Hulton

Park Ward)