Surrey Residents Voice Cost-of-Living Concerns Ahead of Budget
As the Chancellor prepares to deliver his first budget, people in Surrey highlight struggles with rising prices and the need for government support.
Surrey, a county known for its affluence and significant economic contribution to the UK, is also experiencing intense cost-of-living pressures for many of its residents. With average house prices around £500,000 and high rents, the county presents a stark contrast between wealth and financial strain.
Ahead of the Chancellor's first budget, individuals and businesses in Surrey are sharing their experiences and outlining their hopes for support.
Andy Hayward, owner of Thames Side Brewery in Staines, described the current hospitality sector as "tough generally." He noted that customers often need an extra incentive to visit, with live music playing a crucial role in attracting patrons. Hayward expressed a desire for government measures such as reduced business rates, a cut in VAT for hospitality, and policies that would increase disposable income for the public.
Jo Burton and James Stevenson, residents of Hersham in the Elmbridge borough, are participating in a project by the Walton Charity to highlight the financial difficulties faced by many. Elmbridge is noted as having some of the highest housing costs in the country, and a significant rise in poverty, with 68% of those affected being part of working households.
Burton stated that the cost of food and school uniforms has become a major concern, describing the current support systems as a "maze" where individuals struggle to find effective help. "Once you've paid your essential bills, your energy, your rent, your fuel, things like that, you're left with nothing," she told BBC Radio Surrey. She urged for a focus on lowering food prices.
Stevenson echoed these sentiments, calling Surrey "prohibitively expensive" for those on a tight budget. He described a recurring situation of running out of money before the month's end, despite efforts to control expenses and budget carefully. "We need to get the people at central government to actually understand what it's like on the ground," Stevenson said, calling for greater attention to energy and petrol costs, and a broader assessment of societal needs by the government.
A spokesperson for HM Treasury acknowledged the impact of rising prices, partly attributed to international conflicts. The department stated that the Chancellor is committed to providing relief where possible. Measures already in place include the removal of VAT from electricity bills, a cap on bus fares in England at £2 until 2027, an extension of the 5p fuel duty cut, and a freeze on rail fares and prescription charges.