YOUR SAY: High Peak's view on budget 2017

We took to the streets to find out what these new changes mean to you

Lisa Trivett, 45 from Buxton thinks the new budget is very confusing.

She said: “It’s like the government are going one step forward and two steps back, it doesn’t make any sense.

“It’s understandable things have to go up but are those in charge looking at the bigger picture.

“There needs to be a balancing act on taxing the working person and going too far so they can’t enjoy life.

Beer duties have not risen in five years but Chancellor Philip Hammond has put 2p on a pint, 10p on a bottle of wine and 30p and whiskey.

Terry Shepherd, aged 28 from Buxton does not drink or smoke.

He said: “When I go to the pub I only have a pint of coke so that doesn’t bother me.

“If the new prices stops people drinking and smoking that can only be a good thing because it will make them healthier and be better for the environment.” The main National Insurance contribution rate paid by the self-employed will rise in the next few years, however after a backlash from MPs the Prime Minister Theresa May has said that a decision will now not be made until the autumn budget.

Alan Foulger, is from Buxton and the new budget could impact his savings.

The 68-year-old said: “Putting an extra 10p on a bottle of wine is neither here nor there because I always shop around to get the best deals so I don’t think that is much of a problem really.

“The changes to tax relief from dividend savings isn’t the best idea I have savings and ISAs so it could impact on me and my wife.

“I think the country’s foreign aid policy is wrong too. The budget has set aside money to help other countries I’m all for helping those in need but how do we know it is helping the right people and not lining foreign diplomat’s pockets?”

Tina Critchlow, 42, Chapel-en-le-Frith, said: “I’m a social smoker and only smoke about two a day and I now the price for a packet of cigarettes is so high it’s going to put me off - especially as next month there will be no more ten packs, it’s just too expensive.

“I work in a pub so I think some of the customers wont be happy.

“I think politicians are just like big kids shouting at each other.”
There is now a ‘minimum duty’ being introduced, meaning no pack of cigarettes will cost less than £8.82.

John O’Connor, 66 from Buxton said: “I think the budget has been a disaster and full of lies.

“The government said before the election that they wouldn’t be putting up taxes and they have now gone and put up the National Insurance payments for self employed people. It’s just not right, the government only wants to line their own pockets and forget everyone else.”
Alexendra Edge, 21 thinks the increase price on cigarettes will not stop people.

She said: “People who smoke do so becuase they have an addiction and no price rise is going to deter people from not smoking, anyone who smokes will find a way to find the money.”