Bilston locals don't feel optimistic about Budget

People in the market town are not feeling optimistic about the future

People in the Black Country say they don't feel very optimistic about what will be in Labour's first Budget in nearly 15 years, on Wednesday.

The BBC spoke to people in Bilston following a week that saw the government struggling to define "working people" - a demographic it promised wouldn't be hit by tax rises during the election campaign.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to unveil tax rises and spending cuts to the value of £40bn - with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer saying action was needed to ensure future prosperity.

But people in the market town told us they, among other things, are angry about the decision to means-test the winter fuel payment for pensioners.

Philip Bastable is disenchanted with politicians

Philip Bastable was among multiple people who raised the issue, saying it had put him off politicians.

"The government does nothing for people but they're always asking for our vote," he said.

"I used to vote years ago but I'll never vote again. There's nothing being done for old people.

"The old people should get money. Since Labour's got in we've gone downhill."

Brian Fisher doesn't believe Keir Starmer can relate to working people

While tax rises won't be visible in the payslips of "working people", the indications suggest the government will increase National Insurance contributions for employers.

Retired Brian Fisher, 76, believes businesses can afford this but fears the rises will be passed on to workers.

"[Starmer] lives in a different world altogether to what we live in," he said.

"They ought to put him on my wages and see how he would get on in my house."

Sun Kaur claims people misunderstand business owners

Business owner Sun Kaur said she felt entrepreneurs were being targeted unfairly.

She accused the government of being dishonest over its tax plans, claiming any rises will come off the back of difficult years following the pandemic.

"It sometimes makes me wonder why I am in business anymore," she said.

"People seem to think that if you are a business owner things are easy for you.

"They don't realise how many responsibilities you have on your shoulders when you're having to look after your staff, as well as maintaining your business and keeping the lights on."

The prime minister promises the government is "fixing the foundations"

Speaking on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer said the government would take "tough decisions", suggesting he would raise taxes "to prevent austerity and rebuild public services".

"Nobody wants higher taxes, just like nobody wants public spending cuts," he said.

"But we have to be realistic about where we are as a country.

"This is not 1997, when the economy was decent but public services were on their knees.

"And it’s not 2010, where public services were strong, but the public finances were weak. We have to deal with both sides of that coin."