SOUTH Cumbria's MPs had mixed views on the 2018 budget which was unveiled on Monday in the House of Commons.

John Woodcock, Tim Farron and Trudy Harrison have all given their take on the budget announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond.

Mr Hammond declared extra funding will be available for the armed forces, including the continuation of the Dreadnought programme in Barrow.

He also promised relief in business rates for small businesses and £650m to rejuvenate high-streets.

John Woodcock, the MP for Barrow and Furness welcomed the investment in to towns high-streets. He said: “I will put in a good bid to that money and try and really do something about the real problems that we still have in Barrow town centre.”

He also stated that the plans to offer a relief in business rates to small businesses “will be welcome” in Barrow.

Despite some positives, Mr Woodcock expressed concern that all of the measures are dependent on the government getting a good Brexit deal. He said: “I am deeply fearful that we are not on the right track for that.”

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale said: “The Chancellor says that austerity is over, but he is out of touch if he thinks his announcements are anything other than a drop in the ocean.

“His pledge for money ‘for the little extras’ is a massive insult to local headteachers when they are struggling to pay for teachers or essentials.

“And the extra money for adult social care won’t even cover the cuts our council is being forced to make in next year’s budgets – let alone improve services.

“The chancellor has lost touch with reality outside the Westminster bubble.”

Trudy Harrison, MP for Copeland welcomed the budget announcement, adding: “The combination of increasing the National Living Wage while also reducing the income tax threshold will be welcomed by both working families and individuals.

“It is also extremely encouraging to see an extra £1bn for defence, maintaining our record as the biggest defence spender in Europe and the second biggest in NATO – keeping our country protected.

“Schools, hospitals, high-streets, businesses, first time buyers, and local authorities will all quite rightly see increases. Overall, it was a promising budget, which has been heralded across the UK.”