The government’s recently unveiled four-year public spending plan allocates funds to crucial services impacting millions.
This includes essential sectors like the NHS, education, public transportation, welfare programs, defense, energy initiatives, and numerous other government functions.
We gathered feedback from several BBC Your Voice, Your BBC News contributors to gauge public reaction to Wednesday’s announcement.
Ollie Vass (19), employed by a nutritional supplement firm (£31,000 annual salary), and his girlfriend Grace Sangster (19), an apprentice earning £40,000, offer an interesting perspective.
Both began saving diligently from age 13, working various jobs. In April, utilizing savings, a small inheritance, and Lifetime ISAs, they purchased a £360,000 two-bedroom house near Slough.
They advocated for increased support for young people, particularly first-time homebuyers, and expanded apprenticeship opportunities.
Grace described the Spending Review as “not brilliant,” though she welcomed increased NHS funding, expressing hope for improved worker compensation.
Both questioned the government’s £39 billion investment in social housing.
“They’ve made it impossible for first-time buyers with increased stamp duty. They’re focusing on the wrong area,” Grace stated, suggesting easier homeownership for lower-income households by addressing deposit challenges, rather than mortgage payments.
Ollie favored a return to the £2 bus fare cap (from £3) and subsidized rail fares, citing their high cost.
Lewis Eager (26), a part-time supermarket delivery driver in Southend-on-Sea (approximately £10,000 annual income) living with his parents, expressed overall satisfaction with the Chancellor’s plan.
He particularly lauded the expansion of free school meals, apprenticeship investment, and nuclear energy funding, citing research that bolstered his confidence in the latter’s potential to lower energy bills.
Regarding career prospects, Lewis hopes the increased spending will encourage employers to reduce barriers to entry for applicants.
Despite completing a business administration apprenticeship and an Open University degree, Lewis faces persistent unemployment, estimating over 4,000 unsuccessful job applications.
He observes a “looming crisis” for young people struggling to enter the workforce and advocates for increased adult education funding. He voiced concern over potential council tax increases.
Resheka Senior (39), a nursery nurse, and her husband Marcus (49), a school caretaker, earn over £50,000 annually but face financial strain, especially during Resheka’s maternity leave.
Upon her return, childcare costs for their three children will significantly offset her income. They manage debt across multiple credit cards and remain in their two-bedroom council flat in Woolwich, London.
Resheka desires increased support for working families, emphasizing their economic contribution and need for assistance, particularly for childcare, suggesting subsidized breakfast, after-school clubs, or expanded free childcare beyond the current 30 hours.
She welcomed the expansion of free school meals but noted its limited direct impact on her family’s situation.
Sylvia Cook (72), a retired accounting software seller and author, living on a £20,000 pension, praised the government’s reversal on winter fuel payments, describing the additional £200 as beneficial.
While supportive of increased spending on services like the NHS, she stressed the need for efficiency improvements and responsible spending, citing instances of apparent redundancy in NHS service communications.
She proposed tax system reforms, government efficiency savings, and cuts to perks for MPs and civil servants, highlighting numerous areas needing attention.
Additional reporting by Rozina Sini.
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