BURNLEY MP Kitty Ussher has hit back at allegations that the Government's autumn spending plans are a magpie budget' stolen from the Tories.

And Mrs Ussher, who was recently appointed economic secretary to the Treasury, said the proposals to cut death duty and boost marriage, education and health, had been mooted for months by Labour.

But in turn her claims were rubbished by the Tories.

Mrs Ussher said: "It's complete nonsense to call this a magpie budget because many of these ideas are things we have been talking about for a long time, including charging the so-called non domiciles to live here and changes to inheritance tax."

The MP hailed the Government's plans to invest more in vital public services in Burnley - outlined in public spending and tax plans set out by Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, this week.

She said: "These plans show that Labour understands the aspirations of the people of Burnley and Padiham and will make a real difference to the lives of local families and pensioners."

The MP added: "The Government can set out these ambitious plans only because Labour has built a strong economy over the past ten years with firm control over inflation and growing job opportunities. What a difference from when the Tories were in power. Inflation was nearly 10 per cent, mortgages soared to 15 per cent and unemployment hit 3 million people.

"I believe that the people of Burnley want not only a more prosperous future but a fairer one too. Labour's plans deliver on all counts."

But Tory councillor Peter Doyle, Burnley Council's executive member for resources, said: "I find it astounding that the Labour Party has come out with these ideas so soon after the Conservative Party conference, many of which they rubbished at the time and have now adopted."