Rishi Sunak says he “understands” that millions of people are suffering from the cost of living crisis.
Tomorrow’s Spring Statement gives the Prime Minister a great opportunity to prove it.
This includes a 5p reduction in fuel taxes, a tax freeze, and the potential for VAT reductions for struggling businesses.
The eight families of Sun’s readers, who are plagued by soaring food, fuel and energy, now tell Mike Ridley what Rishi needs to overcome.
Reduce taxes
Like Rishi Sunak in Millionaire, NHS worker Adrian Marriott lives at 11 Downing Street.
But for Adrian and his wife’s housekeeper Zoe, it’s a £ 54,000 former terraced house in South Normanton, Derby.
Adrian, 33, earns £ 18,000 a year and says:
“People are struggling everywhere. Fuel tax cuts can help.
“It’s great to see more money flowing into the NHS, but that should postpone the 1.25% increase in National Health Insurance until next year. »»
Increase universal credit
Louise Madison, 50, faces the difficult choice of eating or heating as she runs out of money at the end of the month.
She relies on Universal Credit for £ 330 a month and loses two stones.
Louise limits groceries to £ 100 per month and requires access to a food bank.
She volunteers on a community art project to keep Darlington’s home warm after soaring utility bills.
Louise said: “I’m afraid of the increase in electricity prices next month.
“Increasing Universal Credit is essential. Where else can you find money? »»
Maximum reduction in fuel tariffs
Three mothers, Jody West McCott and her partner, Claire Simmons, work full-time, need two cars and spend £ 100 a week on petrol.
Newport Pair wants to reduce fuel tax by more than 5p.
Jody, 30, a caregiver of £ 18,000 a year, said: I have a 0.9 liter car, but I’m driving in eco mode to save money. It’s difficult to climb a hill.
“The cost of gas and electricity is £ 150 per month. No more. »»
IT Specialist Claire, 37, £ 37,000, said: The increase in NI should not go any further.
Increase salary
Single mother Laura Gregory pays a minimum wage of £ 750 per month as a dental nurse.
Laura, 34, from Gravesend, Kent, also receives a £ 800 monthly tax credit and a £ 140 children’s allowance for her daughter Summer, 16, and her son Rossy, 9.
She says. She said, “My salary isn’t going up, but everything else is going up. My rent will go up in April.
“I know my expenses exceed my income, so I took out my credit card to pay my household. I’m going to borrow this year.
“I need more help. We have to help our bosses raise our wages so that we don’t all get the minimum wage.
“Reducing the cost of petrol helps. Our petrol £ 150 is fine, but it doesn’t work very well. »»
Other support for fuel costs
Retired teacher Caroline Dudridge has returned to work as a teaching assistant.
A 62-year-old, 5-year-old mother from Cardiff receives a civil servant widow’s pension of £ 10,000 a year and a small teacher’s pension of £ 60 a month.
However, rising prices have led her to work two days a week.
She says. “I didn’t want to go back to work, but I had no choice. I don’t turn on the heating anymore. I bought an electric fleece blanket and sat in the evening. I changed my clothes during the day.
“I have an old car, so I’m afraid of invoices and diesel prices.» »
Restoration of pension link
GRANDMA Ronnie Moon wants to restore triple locks for OAP.
Ronnie, 69, is unable to manage his state pension of £ 179.60 a week.
With the reduction in inflation guarantees, his pension would have increased by 8% instead of 3.1%.
A former teaching assistant from Wandsworth in southern London said: I don’t spend much money.
“I can’t live on a state pension. Older people have worked for a pension for a long time, but it still costs money. I’m running out of savings soon.
Support for self-employed people
ROXY OZALP’s revenue has dropped to £ 19,000 a year thanks to Covid.
She wants continued support for those who are struggling to bring their business to light.
The 36-year-old independent event producer said: My expenses and living expenses are higher than my income since Covid.
“I hope Rishi will bring relief to self-employed people and subsidize those who are struggling. »»
Roxy from Haringay in northern London adds: Independents are still suffering. »»
Cancel or hike
TAKEAWAY Deli Manager Jane Shonp does a second job to combat the inflation crisis.
Single Jane, 46, earns £ 26,500 from her main job, but works two nights a week as a waitress.
She reduced her meals to £ 50 a week, but a 1.25% increase in National Health Insurance costs £ 212 a year.
Jane from Merton in southern London said: The increase must be canceled. My salary is the same, but I bring less.
“I was worried about rent and I sacrificed buying everything like clothes. »»