Families won't pay

April 27th, 2009

The latest budget has thrown up some big numbers that have left us reeling.

The billions being borrowed, the millions being spent and various projections about how good or how bad we might be doing next year can be mind-boggling.

While the super-brains in the treasury and the commentators in the media will pick over the bones of those announcements, I prefer to look at how the budget impacts on individuals and families – that is where you can find the real winners and losers.

For those fortunate people out there earning more than £150,000 a year, I would imagine the higher tax rate will be a tough one to take.

But what I was really interested in though was the measures that will channel money into household budgets of hard-working families, such as the boost of £20 extra in the child element of the child tax credit.

I was also delighted to hear that grandparents who are carers of children will see that work qualify towards a state pension, rewarding their important yet under-recognised contribution to family life.

And for our older citizens, pensions will rise in real terms and the winter fuel allowance is to be maintained.

For those struggling to get work, I would welcome the extra 1.7 billion for Job Centre Plus network and the pledge to give a job or training to everyone under 25 and out of work in order that they do not fall into the long-term unemployment trap.

While we all expect bills to be paid and belts to be tightened, I take comfort in the fact that when tough decisions have to be made, we are not asking those struggling with family budgets and pensions to pay the price.