Stories

Tue, 27 Oct 2026

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 'I'm a single mum on £41,000 and limit my weekly shop to £40.' What do you want from the Budget?

People earning from £380 a month to £150,000 a year tell the BBC what they want to see in this year's Budget.
1. Economic struggles: Many individuals shared their experiences with financial difficulties, including:
* Jonathan Whitwam, who works in finance, mentioned that his daughters will start their working lives with between £45,000 to £60,000 of debt each, plus interest.
* Christine Morris, a retired pensioner, said it's difficult to balance her books and spend her savings on living expenses. 2. Inflation and rising costs: Some people expressed concerns about the impact of inflation on their purchasing power:
* Jonathan Whitwam mentioned that his daughters' student loans will have compounding interest, making it a "noose around their neck for a substantial part of their lifetime."
* Christine Morris suggested that there should be some relief for people who live alone when it comes to standing charges on electricity bills. 3. Pension reform: The article touches on the topic of pension reform and the need for a more comprehensive system:
* Christine Morris, who just misses out on receiving pension credit, expressed concerns about the government's proposal to end the triple lock. 4. Inequality and wealth redistribution: Some individuals suggested that higher earners should contribute more to the tax base:
* Jonathan Whitwam mentioned that he would welcome taxes being put up for higher earners in the name of "redistribution." 5. Support for low-income households: Many people called for targeted support for those struggling financially, including:
* Christine Morris, who receives a state pension and is concerned about future pension cuts.
* Jonathan Whitwam's daughters will likely start their working lives with significant student loan debt. 6. Practical measures to address everyday expenses: Some individuals suggested that the government should focus on practical measures to help people cope with rising costs:
* Healey, a politician mentioned in another article linked to this one, pledged cheaper marmalade and gherkins as part of a pre-Budget package of "everyday fixes." The diverse range of opinions and experiences presented in this article highlights the complexity of economic issues facing different segments of society. The upcoming Budget will likely aim to address some of these concerns, but it remains to be seen how effectively the government will respond to the various demands and needs expressed by citizens.