'Yet again the middle classes lose out' - Readers react to new budget
Chancellor John Healy gave the autumn budget speech yesterday, October 28, here’s what Herald readers thought about it.
The budget speech revealed that 200 million households in council tax band A to D will receive a £100 payment towards energy bills. This is what our readers thought about it.
Jean Mendham said: “How many MPs have first or second homes in Council Tax bands A-D? Given that they get a heating allowance on expenses would they still get the £100?”
Richard J Porter said: “Great, our house is Band F. Doesn't mean that we are better off than someone in Band D. For instance, house prices are lower in the North so their houses could come into lower tax bands but as pensioners we all receive the same state pension.”
Mo Payne added: “Thanks, every little helps. Considers the mess they are trying to clear up, didn't expect anything.”
Lorna Robson said: “Yet again the middle classes with family houses lose out. What is the point in working hard to better yourself and avoid relying on the state if it all gets taken away in taxes and you never benefit from any government incentives.”
Linda Truluck said: “And the council tax will probably go up so no better off.”
The chancellor also announced that the minimum wage will also increase in the new financial year, people aged 21 will receive £13.21, 18 – 20 will receive £11.27 and under 18s will receive £8.31.
Alcohol Duty will also be discounted for small and medium producers to alleviate costs for small brewers.