I am reflecting on the so-called Emergency Budget and what it will mean for people in Pendle.

I am afraid it is bad news. Very bad news.

Osborne says his measures are “unavoidable” to bring down the deficit (let us never forget, caused by the near collapse of the banks).

Not so. He could have swung his axe at some areas of spending and excluded others. He could have chosen to bring in the top 50% rate of income tax at £100,000 rather than £150,000.

Spending cuts rather than tax increases are taking the strain.

And what does this mean for Pendle’s children?

Pendle has the highest infant mortality rate in England, or very close to it.

The health in pregnancy grant of £190 to women beyond the 25^th week is to be abolished.

The Sure Start Maternity Grant of £500 is to be restricted to the first child only.

The baby element of the child tax credit is to be abolished. Child benefit is to be frozen for three years.

Benefits will be uprated in line with the consumer price index (which excludes housing costs) rather than the RPI.

There will be many people who voted Lib Dem at the election last month who did not believe, in a month of Sundays, they were buying into this agenda.

We all know Conservatives want to shrink the State. They have made no secret of the fact - even though they smile when they say it. But what of their Coalition partners?

The reaction of the Liberal Democrats will be fascinating to watch as the horrors unfold. It is in their DNA to point the accusing finger of blame at others.

What about the hike in VAT which the Lib Dems campaigned against? It is going to whack the motorist another £60 a year in an area where for many a car is needed to get about.

And how will the local Lib Dems react on 20 October when the details of the Comprehensive Spending Review are revealed, department by department?

Some areas such as the NHS and International Development are protected. But all other departments will be in the firing line. Even defence.

Local authorities are going to take a serious hit. In practice this means housing, environmental health, social services, children’s services, road maintenance, refuse, libraries and so much more.

Local Government is the Lib Dem citadel in Pendle. When things go wrong they have always been able to shuffle off responsibility to Preston or Westminster.

But this is not an option any more.

Nope.