"We need more help for small businesses instead of punishing them," said butcher Kevin Evans, in response to the government's new tax and spending plans. In the Budget, set out by Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday, a number of measures were announced, including a one-off £100 payment for up to 20 million households in council tax bands A-D in England. However, for those living and working in Bilston, Wolverhampton, not enough is being done to tackle the rising cost of living.
"The electricity is a killer, it's a big one, it's mega money. It's just out of control now," added Kevin Evans, a butcher and business owner. "Six sausages would have cost you £1.50 last year, but it's around £2.50 now." The Budget also included a 3.9% rise in the legal minimum wage from April, as well as a new flat-rate state pension increase of £488 a year, equivalent to 3.9%, under the triple lock policy.
The old basic state pension will rise by £374.40. What are the key points from the Budget and how will they be funded? Will I get the £100 energy payment and when will I receive it?
Evans told BBC Radio WM the measures would make things harder for his business, not easier. He added: "I would love to take another person on but I can't afford to because National Insurance and the minimum wage keep going up. I might as well just do the hours myself.
"You have less time at home. I don't get a day off now. It's not feasible, it comes out of my pocket which is already being emptied.
"It doesn't benefit you to be a businessman in this country anymore." The sentiment was echoed by plasterer Glen Gandy, who said he also could not afford to expand his workforce or absorb the rising cost of materials. The father-of-two said: "There is nothing in the new Budget that will help my business. "Minimum wage up by 3.9% is good for kids, but you're going to employ someone with more experience if you have to pay them extra anyway, so it will push people out of work.
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