Let's not beat about the bush. With the global financial crisis, times are tough in Blackburn and across the country. Just take a look at the local effects on business with the closure of the EDC compact disc plant on Philips Road.
Jack Straw and the staff who work in his office are working every day to provide support and information to people in Blackburn hit by difficulties.
But the budget announced today offers a ray of hope with a plan for jobs and targeted investment in a stronger recovery. Alistair Darling is right: you can't cut your way out of recession - you have to grow your way out. It will cost us more if we don't act now to support people and businesses.
Here are some highlights of what today's budget offers local people during the recession:
Support for employment:
Labour will guarantee that unlike the 1980's we will not have a generation lost to work. That is why every young person, aged 18 to 24-years-old, who is unemployed for more than a year will be offered a job or training.
Support for pensioners:
To help pensioners through this downturn, the Winter Fuel Allowance will be maintained at the higher level for another year - worth £250 for over 60s and £400 for over 80s.
Support for individuals:
The Budget supports savers who have done the right thing and put money aside, raising tax free ISA limits more than £10,000 for over 50s this year and everyone else next year.
Support for homeowners, homebuyers and the housing market:
A £600 million funding package of measures to build more homes through unlocking sites currently sitting dormant. And an extension of the stamp duty holiday for all houses costing up to £175,000 until 31 December 2009.
Supporting business:
A vehicle scrappage scheme, co-funded with industry, will enable consumers who scrap vehicles older than ten years to replace them with new vehicles at a discount of £2,000.
