Sheffield reacts to John Healey's Budget as call made for more to be done for youth
People of Sheffield have reacted to todays budget.
The people of Sheffield have expressed mixed reviews over John Healey’s Budget with young people placed front and centre.
The Chancellor began his statement by stating the UK was experiencing global economic storms, but that we must “steer through them”, in attempt to give people hope for Britain’s future.
Whilst the main points mentioned seem to be of importance to people in Sheffield, there is still a push that “more needs to be done” for young people.
Jan Farrell, 83, from Sheffield, said: “There needs to be more work for the young people today, as I was raised in the war, in those days it was such a different place.”
She shared how her daughter is applying for jobs but “heard nothing at all”.
Jan added that it is “such a sad time” for young people and recognises the “challenges” the youth face.
Erin Skinner, 18, is a student herself, and shared her thoughts on today’s announcements.
She said: “Clearly the big focus was on the cost of living and breathing space for families so I feel like it was quite short term in terms of limiting immediate effects.
“But there wasn’t any big long term projects as such, there wasn’t much mention of welfare either.”
She highlighted the lack of focus towards student loans and said: “There was not much mention for students at all.”
The key points made in the budget include:
- Millions of households will receive £100 to help with soaring energy bills.
- High street firms will get a tax break as John Healey sought to protect British workers and businesses from the economic impact of the Iran war.
- National minimum wage will rise by 3.9%.
- £1.5bn will be provided for the government’s social and affordable housing programme.
- £430 million package to provide emergency accommodation and support for the homeless.
- defence spending will rise to 3% of GDP by 2030.
- An extension of paid parental leave for self-employed fathers.
Richard Harvey, 83, from Crystal Peaks, highlighted the points made about rough sleeping. He said: “I think we need to do something further on from anything immediate because afterwards, there’s always another down turn about things like that.”
He emphasised that helping people escape homelessness is only the beginning, but support for afterwards is just as important.