'We need help for small businesses, not punishment'

"We need more help for small businesses instead of punishing them," said butcher Kevin Evans, in response to the government's new tax and spending plans.

In the Budget, set out by Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday, a number of measures were announced, including a one-off £100 payment for up to 20 million households in council tax bands A-D in England.

However, for those living and working in Bilston, Wolverhampton, not enough is being done to tackle the rising cost of living.

"The electricity is a killer, it's a big one, it's mega money. It's just out of control now," added Kevin Evans, a butcher and business owner.