Help for homebuyers puts a gloss on ‘just the same old’

The 23-year-old welcomed the penny off beer, help with childcare costs and the scrapping of the fuel duty rise, but said none of the changes added up to a great deal.

“Although I don’t drink much beer I used to help my mum run a pub and am a supporter of the Campaign for Real Ale. I’m pleased about the 1p drop in beer but I’m not sure it’s enough to bring back the brilliant British pub culture which I think has been destroyed.”

Ms Penny, who is due to graduate with a PR/marketing degree, welcomed help for home buyers. She and boyfriend James, who works full time and has a daughter, five, are currently renting a house in Bingley and money is tight.

“It seems to be a middle-of-the road budget. Perhaps we are not going to be as bad off in the future as I thought we would be. Since I became an adult we have been in recession; it’s quite depressing.”

She believes the Government is sending out a message that those who work will be better off than those who choose not to. “Sadly, some have an ingrained family tradition – they don’t study, work or have any ambition. I hope this mentality can be stopped.

“It doesn’t feel like we will be better off. We certainly won’t be getting the holiday brochures out.”