Budget is no big deal for us (From Barry And District News)

Budget is no big deal for us

ONE BARRY family have been left feeling let-down by Gordon Brown's April budget Mum-of-two Sue Marsh, of George Street, claims the new rules won't help her at all and make no difference to the average family.

The 34-year-old lives with her husband Steve and children Alisha, three, and Timothy, 18 months.

After holding the post of a Greggs shop manager for 12 years, Sue had to give up work when Steve, a plasterer by trade, became ill.

But this budget has left them no better off.

Sue said: "I don't think it will make much difference to us.

We smoke, but usually tobacco not cigarettes and we don't spend a lot on drink.

We do have a van, so the increase in road tax and fuel prices are a nuisance.

She added: "We're not going to have any more children, and Tim is 18 months old, so we can't take advantage of the £250 for children born after September 2002, although it's good news for families starting off."

With first-hand knowledge of NHS waiting lists, Sue is looking forward to Gordon Brown fulfilling his promises.

She said: "Steve is only 36 and it's hard for him to be out of work.

But he's been on waiting lists for different consultants for so long.

It makes it impossible for me to get a job.

I'd have to find childcare, plus anything I earn gets taken out of Steve's benefits. It wouldn't be worth it.

"So until Tim is old enough to go into nursery so I can get a part-time post, things are tight.

"Basically, the government always taxes the little luxuries of life. Cars, alcohol and tobacco always get penalised.

But it's time Gordon Brown started showing us where our money is going.

The budget is never really explained in real terms, but if we're being taxed for service improvements in health and education, as he promised, it's about time we starting seeing them."