Case Study: First-time buyer
Peter Newman, trainee barrister
Lives: Brixton, London, but planning to move into new property in June
Age: 26
Income: Unpaid, but will earn £30,000 from summer
Company benefits: None
Outgoings: Has just bought flat in Brixton for £225,000, with an mortgage at £780 a month. Council tax £50 a month, other bills unknown.£30 to £40 a week on wine.
Politics: Centre left, voted Lib Dem. Now unsure.
Hopes for Budget: No rise in income tax. More for schools, NHS, and legal aid.
Effect of Budget: Alcohol duty rise will cost £9 a year.
Reaction: "The rise in the stamp duty threshold does not make any difference to me and I wonder what the point is. You will be lucky to find a flat or house for that price in London.
"I am disappointed there was not more for criminal justice. There have been a lot of cuts in the system, some which affect its quality. I also think it is wrong to give £75 a week to 17-year-olds to stay at school."
Arifa Akbar
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies