Politics · United Kingdom · 2 hrs ago
People call for help with bills and housing ahead of Healey’s first Budget
Chancellor John Healey is due to present his first Budget on Wednesday in the UK.
With few details leaked in advance, his tax and spending plans are expected to face close attention as government borrowing costs are at historic highs.
People interviewed about their finances described different pressures and priorities.
Chloe, a single mother in south London, wants more help for families like hers as she manages rising energy costs, council tax and medicine expenses on a full-time income.
Robert Portlock, who earns £22,000 in Gateshead, says moving out and saving for a home feel out of reach, and wants lower fuel duty and income tax or a higher tax-free income allowance.
Emily Nelson, 19, is looking for work after finishing her A-levels and receives £338 a month in Universal Credit.
Their experiences show how the Budget’s choices on taxes and spending could affect people facing high costs and difficulty finding work or housing.
Chancellor John Healey is set to unveil his first Budget on Wednesday.
People interviewed by the BBC described pressure from bills, housing costs and difficulty finding work.
Chloe, a single mother in south London, said she pays about £200 a month for gas and electricity and limits her weekly food shop to £40.
Robert Portlock, 29, said the cost of rent and other expenses makes moving out of his parents’ home in Gateshead feel unaffordable.
Emily Nelson, 19, said she has struggled to find work since completing her A-levels last year.
- Who
- Chancellor John Healey and people interviewed by the BBC about their finances and Budget priorities.
- What
- Healey is set to present his first Budget. The interviewees described financial pressures and changes they would like to see.
- When
- Wednesday; the article was published on 27 October 2026.
- Where
- The UK, with interviewees from south London, Gateshead and Swindon.
- Why
- The Budget is due as government borrowing costs are at historic highs, while people described pressure from living costs, housing and employment.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Chloe’s husband died, and she began bringing up their son alone.
Emily Nelson completed her A-levels.
Chancellor John Healey is set to unveil his first Budget.
- Budget
- John Healey’s first Budget is set for Wednesday.
- Chloe’s energy bills
- About £200 a month for gas and electricity.
- Chloe’s weekly food shop
- She tries to limit it to £40.
- Robert’s car costs
- £750 a month for finance, insurance, fuel and tax.
- Robert’s proposed personal allowance
- He wants it raised to about £16,000, from £12,570.
- Emily’s Universal Credit
- £338 per month.
1 source
What people are saying
Two incomes make a massive difference.
Saving for a house is impossible at the moment.
I'm trying my best, it's all you really can do.