'Not a chance': Leeds locals give their verdict on whether the Budget will leave them better off

Leeds residents have shared their views on whether they expect to be better off following the Autumn Budget announcements.

On Wednesday, Chancellor John Healey delivered his first Budget under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, announcing a series of measures affecting businesses and consumers.

The Budget included a 3.9% increase in the minimum wage, extending to people aged between 18 and 20, as well as an increase in the threshold for small business rate relief from £12,000 to £18,000.

Energy payments of £100 will go to around 20 million households in council tax bands A to D, and Mr Healey is also set to axe the standing charge on gas bills.

The Chancellor's announcements prompted a lively debate among Yorkshire Evening Post readers, with a large number telling us they do not believe they will see any extra money in their pockets.

Others questioned whether any financial help announced would be enough to offset rising household bills, while some welcomed measures they believed could offer at least a little relief.

Elaine Price was among those unconvinced, writing: "I am never any better off with these two budgets a year, never!”

Audrey Jagger replied: "Not a chance", while Malcolm Connop and several other readers shared similar views.

Jennifer Kerr said: "Nope. Never does, give with one hand and take from the other one."

Others felt that working people were being overlooked. Ben Starkie commented: "No I work for a living", while Janet Russell asked: "Yet again nothing for the workers?"

Will Lister said he felt caught in the middle, describing himself as having an average income, being in council tax band E and not receiving benefits.

There were also concerns about the continuing cost of household bills, with readers questioning whether any savings announced would be cancelled out by increases elsewhere.

Andy Thompson said his gas and electricity costs had already gone up and claimed they were due to rise further in January.

Gary Maskrey said any help offered would be swallowed up by higher energy prices, council tax and food costs, adding that the Budget had been a "missed opportunity".

David Hill also raised concerns about fuel prices, pointing to the impact of the conflict in Iran and disruption to supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

But not all responses were negative, with some readers acknowledging that some of the measures could provide a welcome contribution to household finances.

Chris Sanderson said: "Maybe not much, but more left in than taken out."

Nick Moore also welcomed the prospect of a £100 energy payment, describing it as "a start", and arguing that other measures in the Budget deserved recognition.

Louise Burns agreed the payment would be “a help”.

There were also calls for the Government to consider different groups when deciding where financial support should go.

Ann-Marie Haigh urged ministers to "look after workers not just pensioners", while Jennifer Anne Clark said she was a pensioner who was not entitled to benefits despite having worked from the age of 17 to 75.

Michael Kitson, who said he was in his 60s, added that he could not think of a Budget that had ever made him feel better off.

The reaction from YEP readers comes after Leeds hospitality operators described the Budget as “no better or worse than expected”.

Chris Hill, who runs Latitude Wine Merchant in Leeds, said businesses were still struggling to absorb increases to employers’ National Insurance contributions introduced by former Chancellor Rachel Reeves, but support with energy bills was among the more welcome announcements.