Keighley mums are pleased with the Chancellor's Budget.

And they were particularly surprised by the increase in child benefit, said Gina Thompson, who helps run the Children's Society caf where mothers gathered earlier today.

She said: "They were very pleased and amazed that a Budget has at last delivered something meaningful to them because they are going to get something out of it."

They were also delighted with the reduction in taxes on small cars because most of the single parents who use the caf rely on them.

The district's business leaders also praised Chancellor Gordon Brown for helping the district's small firms.

Mr Brown unveiled a seven-point plan to help small business, including reduced tax rates, increased tax allowances for investment, especially for research and development, and encouraging employees to own shares.

Sandy Needham, director of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "We welcome the reductions in Corporation Tax rates and the introduction of the new 10p tax rate for very small businesses. It was also encouraging to hear the Chancellor use his Budget speech to acknowledge that at present manufacturing industry is facing significant challenges.

"The new measures intended to encourage long-term investment in companies and provide tax breaks for those in higher risk business start-ups are good news. Cutting the cost to firms and employers of training or upgrading their skills will provide much-needed incentives for retraining. However, we reserve judgement as the Devil may be in the detail."

Graham Fearnley, Barclays' head of Small Business Banking for Bradford, said the introduction of a ten per cent starting rate for new business was welcome. "This lower rate of tax is likely to encourage more people to test the water and promote exercise," he added.

Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood praised the Chancellor for producing a Budget which helped a wide variety of people but kept the economy stable.

But Coun Margaret Eaton, leader of the Conservative group, said: "It's strong on headlines and gimmicks.''

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