LABOUR leaders say Chancellor Gordon Brown's budget will help them plug huge holes in Lancashire's education spending.

The county's ruling Labour group welcomed Mr Brown's announcement that he plans to pump billions into schools and the health service.

Last year the council was forced into cuts of £52million because of cutbacks in funding.

Lancashire finance chairman Chris Cheetham told the policy and resources committee: "The Government's decision to provide extra money for classroom resources is a clear sign of their commitment to education for the many, not just the few.

"It will go some way to easing the pressures on schools and the threats they face.

"The Government are beginning to carry through the pledges upon which we won the election.

"I look forward to working with the Government to turn hopes into realities for the people of Lancashire."

Coun Cheetham also slammed the Tories for failing to support a council motion welcoming the budget.

He said: "I am sad the Conservative group could not bring themselves to support this motion.

"Clearly they are disappointed that the new Chancellor has managed to do something that they failed to do but they must realise this is a good deal for the Lancashire."

Blackburn with Darwen Council is set take control of education and social services in the borough next spring when it becomes a unitary authority.

Labour councillors in the borough have welcomed the budget and finance chiefs are preparing a report on the effect of the new measures on council policies.

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