'Bill rises are hitting from all directions'

Community support worker Kate Perry from Newlyn said cost of living pressures were affecting people of all ages

It is a sunny but blustery day as a walking group make their way along a promenade in Cornwall.

Led by community support worker Kate Perry, the "Wellbeing Walkers" were going from Newlyn to Penzance when they spoke to the BBC about cost of living pressures ahead of the Spring Statement.

"I think everybody is struggling," Ms Perry said.

Isabel Marston, 77, who was also enjoying the walk, agreed: "Our gas, electric [and] the council tax are all going up in April - when is it all going to stop?"

On Wednesday Reeves is expected to unveil spending cuts but some big changes aimed at saving money - including on welfare spending - have already been announced.

Ms Perry, from The Centre Newlyn, said money worries appeared to be affecting a broader range of people.

"It's not just the usual people you would expect, it's actually people who are working too," she said.

"We have a lot of private rent in Newlyn that is in poor condition and people struggle to keep up with the payment of energy and other bills.

"There are lots of different issues going on."

Karen Yates, 63, said she struggles with expensive food bills

Karen Yates, 63, who was also part of the working group, said she lived on Universal Credit because a disability means she cannot work.

"The heating doesn't go on, water bills are very high, my rent is high and I have to keep a very tight budget," she said.

"You just have to do what you can, but it doesn't make for a very nice way of life, really."

Wendy Phillips, 66, who was participating as part of her role as a live-in carer, said she worked three weeks on and three weeks off, living in Spain when she is off.

"Water, food, housing and petrol" were all cheaper in Spain, she explained.

"I grew up in St Ives and would like to come back, but I can't afford to live in Cornwall again," she said.

Rob Trewhella, 68, is considering trying to find part-time work again so he can pay his bills

Just up the road from Penzance seafront, Rob Trewhella said he gave up a taxi driving job on New Year's Day on his GP's advice.

The 68-year-old, who lives in a private rental flat, has been to Westminster to campaign about the cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance.

He said he was very "frugal" with his heating as his savings were dwindling fast, adding he was considering finding part-time work again to help pay his bills.

"I've noticed that my car tax has gone up, my broadband will be going up by a couple of pounds, council tax - everything is going up," he said.

"I get £844 state pension a month, and I pay £675 rent, around £130 council tax, £40 electric - and you see where I'm at.

"I'm worried sick if I'm honest, as a lot of people are, it's a scary situation to be in."

Cornwall Glass chairman Mark Mitchell said the market was "very challenging"

About 40 miles (64km) away in St Austell, businessman Mark Mitchell was chatting to some of his employees.

Cornwall Glass is a third generation family business with a turnover of about £30m, employing 350 people at 14 different sites from the Isles of Scilly to the Midlands.

"The imminent increases in minimum wage and National Insurance will have a combined effect for us of around £60,000 more each month," he said.

"If I went back three years ago our energy costs were about £80,000 a month, now they are approaching £200,000 a month so they are scary figures - they are real increases."

'People are nervous'

Mr Mitchell added: "There is a feeling that costs are constantly going up, from your waste disposal to the paper you put in your photocopier.

"Business rates are beginning to creep up again in April so it's coming at us from all directions and is incredibly challenging.

"It feels as if we are in a recession, at best it is stagnant, volumes are very low and people are very nervous."