PLANS to help Burnley's poorest people have been put forward after figures uncovered the shocking extent of poverty in the town.

A council team has published its ideas for beating hardship following a report which showed that Burnley was one of the poorest towns in Britain.

Government statistics revealed that the borough's average wage, £3.48 an hour, was less than half the national figure and three out of five households are claiming state benefit.

The anti-poverty working group wants more council money spent in Burnley and the introduction of a scheme to help people stay warm in winter.

Members, drawn from key council departments, say the local authority ought to pump more money into the area's economy by buying more goods and services from firms within the borough boundary.

With an annual spending power of around £8 million, the council has the power to boost businesses, and the extra cash in Burnley's economy could bring jobs for local people.

The working group is also worried about the problems caused by big rises in fuel costs over the past few years, because low-income families could suffer ill health if they can't stay warm in winter, and have less to spend on food and clothes.

Members want the council to inform people of the cash on offer for home insulation and to give advice on cutting gas and electricity bills.

Anti-poverty officer Steve Watson said: "People living in poverty should not be treated as an underclass. Too often they are undervalued and underestimated. They have rights and should have the freedom to make choices and exercise those rights."

The working group is opposed to pre-payment water meters and the new Jobseekers' Allowance, but is in favour of votes for the homeless and more help for single parents who want to work, train or study.

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