Small business owners in Bilston have voiced concerns that the latest budget, presented by Chancellor John Healey, does not offer sufficient support to combat escalating costs.

Butcher Kevin Evans stated, "We need more help for small businesses instead of punishing them." He highlighted that while the budget includes a one-off £100 payment for households in council tax bands A-D, this does little to alleviate the pressures faced by businesses in Bilston.

"The electricity is a killer, it's a big one, it's mega money. It's just out of control now," Evans said, noting the significant increase in prices for goods. "Six sausages would have cost you £1.50 last year, but it's around £2.50 now."

The budget also announced a 3.9% rise in the national minimum wage and an increase to the state pension. However, Evans feels these measures will make operating his business more difficult. "I would love to take another person on but I can't afford to because National Insurance and the minimum wage keep going up," he explained. "It comes out of my pocket which is already being emptied. It doesn't benefit you to be a businessman in this country anymore."

Glen Gandy, a plasterer, shared similar sentiments, stating that the budget offered no relief for his 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," he commented. Gandy also pointed to the rising cost of materials and fuel as major challenges, estimating his weekly fuel costs alone amount to around £350.

Chip shop owner Lutfu Efe is struggling with significantly increased utility bills, paying nearly £800 a month for electricity and £600 for gas, a stark contrast to previous years. "This is why we are struggling. Many years ago it was around £300, but it has sky-rocketed," he said. "Everyone is in the same boat. Everything has gone up. We have two options: the government helps us or we have to close down."

For residents, the financial relief offered is also seen as insufficient. Mum-of-six Gwyneth Totney welcomed the one-off £100 payment but noted it would only cover about two weeks of her gas and electricity expenses. "My weekly shop has gone from about £100 to about £130 a week," she said. "We're working more to get more money but we have less time." Totney expressed that while it feels like the government is trying to reduce the cost of living, the measures do not seem to be achieving that goal.

Among the wider budget announcements were the removal of standing charges on gas bills for households in England, Scotland, and Wales, an extension of the VAT cut on electricity bills until July, and the removal of import taxes on over 100 food products. Despite these measures, the feedback from Bilston suggests a widespread feeling that more direct support is needed for both businesses and individuals to navigate the current economic climate.