Marking the 100^th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Local Labour Councillors are today pledging to stand up for Brighton & Hove’s women and families, as new figures show the Tory-led government’s Budget hit local women around 3 times harder than men.

Research from the House of Commons Library shows George Osborne’s Emergency Budget raised a total of £961million from the South East, of which nearly £701 million will be from women, in contrast with just over £260 million from men.

Labour believes women’s progress over the last century should be celebrated, but warns that government plans risk turning back the clock on women’s equality.

Labour wants to see the Chancellor’s upcoming Budget narrow rather than widen equality for women.

Brighton & Hove Labour Leader, Councillor Gill Mitchell, said:

“These figures show how unfair the Tory-led government’s plans are. We can’t all be in this together, if local women are being hit hardest.

“I will always stand up for women and families around here.”

 Shadow Minister for Women and Equality, Yvette Cooper said:

 “The 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day is a good time to reflect on progress women have made – as every generation of women has enjoyed greater opportunities than the last. But for the first time, I worry about the next generation of women; that their life chances and independence will suffer because of this government’s assault on women and families.

“That’s why I’m calling on George Osborne to make sure his next Budget supports women. The Chancellor must recognise the particular challenges women and families across the country face because you cannot build a fairer country if you ignore the reality of women’s lives.”