LAST week's major event was Gordon Brown's fourth Budget.

Set against a strong, stable economy with the lowest inflation, lowest interest rates and lowest unemployment for years, some would say it would be easy to set a Budget at this time.

However, delivering on priorities like families, pensioners, health and education without putting the economy at risk means that simply throwing money around is not the solution.

There was £1 billion extra each for schools and hospitals and the £5 per week rise in pensions was confirmed and the 10p tax band was extended.

Headteachers in typical high and middle schools in Redditch will now receive £98,500 direct from Government to spend on extra teachers, buildings, books or computers.

First schools in the town will receive £33,750.

Funding at least at this level is also guaranteed for the next three years allowing schools to plan properly and undertake larger projects.

In fact, the increase in funding for schools in Worcestershire this year alone is 8.1per cent. With inflation stable below 2.5 per cent, this is a substantial rise.

Families with children received a boost with an increase in the level of the Children's Tax Credit.

With a few exceptions for some high earning couples, if the highest earner in a family with children under 16 earns less than £32,785 then that person is now entitled to £10 per week or £520 per year of their tax bill.

Application forms and further information are available on 587233 or nationally on 0845 300 1036.

Even if you earn up to £41,000 you can get something off your tax bill, so apply now.

The Kingfisher Centre was buzzing with enterprise on Saturday when I helped judge the stalls representing mini companies set up by local schools.

They had all worked very hard and I am sure the future for the local economy is secure in these entrepreneurial hands.