The Chancellor gives struggling households and businesses much-needed “breathing space” with a range of everyday fixes

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said: “The first Budget under Andy Burnham’s leadership has delivered a host of everyday fixes that will help tackle the cost of living. The scrapping of standing charges on gas bills could save 60% of households an average of £45 a year. In addition, £1bn has been allocated to help poorer households struggling with soaring gas and electricity bills. This comes on the back of the Government already suspending VAT on electricity bills, which will be extended through winter and spring. This package of support on energy bills is welcome news for Usdaw members, a quarter of whom have had to cut back on heating or electricity use as a result of financial pressures.

"The 3.9% increase to both the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage will provide welcome relief to 2.3 million workers across the UK. However, it is disappointing that the Government appears to have moved away from the manifesto pledge to bring the “discriminatory” minimum wage for young people into line with the living wage for older workers.

“The Carer’s Allowance cliff edge has also been abolished. Currently, unpaid carers lose their benefit if they earn a penny over the threshold. Under the Government's plans, the cliff edge will change to a taper, meaning unpaid carers will lose £1 from their benefit for every £1 they earn over the threshold. This is something Usdaw has called for, and this change finally recognises the enormous contribution carers make to society with their willingness to provide care for their loved ones.

“The Budget also included an extension of parental pay worth £388 per year to more than 150,000 additional parents, covering self-employed fathers and partners who have previously missed out. This goes some way to meet the needs of modern families.

“Following lobbying from trade unions, the Chancellor announced an increase to the taxes paid by online retailers such as Amazon and eBay which could raise an additional £1bn. Lifting the small business threshold to £18,000 is a positive move, but to truly level the playing field with online giants means extending this relief to larger bricks-and-mortar retailers.

“The economic reality is that the Chancellor is unable to increase rates of income tax, national insurance and VAT without breaking the Government’s manifesto commitments. However, the 3% surcharge on banks, who have had bumper profits on the back of higher interest rates, is only right - the wealthiest should pay their fair share of tax.”