Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing a fierce public backlash following her latest Budget announcement, which has been condemned by Brits across the country as a raid on hardworking people. The new measures, set to raise an extra £30 billion a year by 2030-31, have sparked particular anger over what many are calling 'constant taxes'.
Public Outcry Over Tax Hikes
From electric vehicle owners to pub landlords and the average worker, the Daily Mail has spoken to numerous individuals who feel they are being hardest hit by the new financial plans. A recurring sentiment among those interviewed was a feeling of exhaustion from being 'taxed, taxed, taxed'.
The Treasury's plan includes an eye-watering £12.7 billion from extending the income tax threshold freeze for another three years. This freeze means that by 2030-31, around a quarter of the working population will be paying higher or top-rate tax, a significant increase from just 15% when the measure was first imposed in 2021. The overall tax burden is projected to reach a new 300-year record high as a proportion of GDP.
Voices from Across the UK
The human impact of the Budget was felt nationwide. Ashley Aziz, a 55-year-old married father of three who recently returned to the UK after 15 years working in Dubai, described his timing as the 'worst you can imagine' financially. He lamented the lack of incentive to buy an electric car and the financial strain of returning for his children's education.
Concerns about the property market were also prominent. Ian Standen, a 76-year-old retired estate agent, warned that the newly announced mansion tax on properties over £2 million would 'kill the property market'. He criticised the freeze on income tax thresholds, stating, 'You're not going to get any growth. The only way out of it is growth, in my opinion.'
Pubs and Hospitality Sector Hit Hard
The Chancellor's decision to increase alcohol duty in line with the retail prices index (3.66%) has sent shockwaves through the already-struggling hospitality sector. This will add 11p to a bottle of Prosecco, 13p to a bottle of red wine, and 38p to a bottle of gin from February 1 next year.
Gary Bellamy, a 54-year-old research nurse from Greenwich, expressed his anger, stating that the constant price increases have turned people into home-drinkers. 'She's destroying the community nature of where I live,' he said, fearing the policy is creating more isolation.
Chris, a pub manager at Borough Market in London, echoed these concerns, predicting the duty hike would force pubs to increase prices, making it harder to attract customers with dwindling disposable income. He fears more pub closures are inevitable, stating, 'The government just hasn't listened.'
Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, called the move 'typically disappointing and shortsighted', warning that it would lead to higher prices for consumers, suffering for British businesses, and lower Treasury receipts.
A Widespread Sense of Frustration
The frustration extends beyond specific sectors. Darren Kennedy, a 55-year-old engineer, summarised the mood of many, saying he is fed up with relentless tax rises and is 'petrified' about the future. 'All I seem to do is get taxed, taxed, taxed, taxed, and it's just intolerable,' he said.
Joanna, a 50-year-old from Poland working in the UK since 2011, said she is already struggling and fears the tax rises are just the 'tip of the iceberg'. She questioned how many hours per week people would need to work just to avoid financial struggle.
In Newcastle, similar sentiments were voiced. John Murray, a 57-year-old construction worker, accused the Labour government of breaking promises and suggested it was time for Reform to take over. Beverley Clasby, a 55-year-old company director, called the budget a 'tax on working people', criticising the mansion tax and the new levy on electric vehicles.
Ross Traill, a 27-year-old finance worker from Newcastle, revealed that he and his partner have decided against buying an electric vehicle due to the new 3p per mile tax, rendering the charging point at their new-build home 'pointless'.
The Budget has clearly struck a nerve, with a pervasive feeling across the nation that the financial burden on ordinary working people is becoming unsustainable.
