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both their own finances and the wider economy.
“The UK economy is already suffering from the devastating impact of a collapse in consumer confidence, with households reducing their spending by £220 billion since the financial crisis began. ”
Research by Moneysupermarket shows three-quarters of households have cut spending in the last 12 months, while more than a third (38 per cent) say they have cut back on necessities.
Clare Francis of Moneysupermarket said the benefits would be swallowed up by the increasing cost of living.
“Giving with one hand may be a positive, but taking away with the other through other tax increases and benefit cuts means that people are no better off. In fact, the cumulative effect of this and previous budget changes, combined with wage stagnation and rising living costs means millions are worse off and an in- creasing number of families are on the breadline, struggling to make ends meet every month.
“Our own research has shown that three-quarters of households have had to limit spending over the past 12 months, while one in ten miss meals to feed their children, while a fifth have not been paying essential bills in order to cope. More needs to be done to help families – the government needs work harder to tackle rising everyday costs, such as heating, food and fuel.”
RAC technical director David Bizley said the current squeeze on household spending meant the government had had no choice but to freeze petrol duty: “With so many people struggling to make ends meet and being forced to limit the use of their motor vehicle, the Government had little choice but to scrap the planned fuel duty increase to ease the financial burden on drivers.
“A further increase in duty would have had serious consequences for the economic recovery as fuel prices have a direct knock-on effect on consumer spending and business activity.”
Economist Howard Archer warned that the squeeze on household budgets was having and was likely to continue to have a constricting effect on the economy as a whole – making it likely that the current retail slump will continue.
Archer said: “The problem that retailers – and the economy in general – face is that consumers’ purchasing power has come under some renewed pressure from higher inflation and weak earnings growth.”
Consumer minister Jo Swinson said the government was aware of the pressure on household budgets: “People are struggling and these are difficult times. Household budgets are stretched. But the nation’s finances are facing difficulties.” sight” between two masts. The trees have grown high enough to disrupt the signal and, because the growth is so dense, trimming them doesn’t seem to be an option at the moment. We are currently investigating the possibility of raising the height of the link.” a PLanT LIFe
are the life and soul of the garden, introducing colour, volume and texture into a potentially boring flower bed or planter. One fifth of people are initially attracted to the plants in a garden of a perspective home, meaning eye-catching greenery is definitely something every garden needs. If you don’t know where to begin, the Garden on a Roll product is a great starter kit, whatever your garden size.
POwer It goes without saying that the English rose bush is the nation’s top garden flower. However, it is important to coordinate the types of flowers you have with the look you are trying to achieve. The Homebase plant finder www.getintogardening.co.uk/getadvice/plant-finder/ is perfect for planning which flowers will suit your space.
anD seCUre One in five men specifically look for a shed in a garden when considering a new home. They act as both a secure storage area as well as a perfect getaway from the house to carry out hobbies and read the paper. With one third of Britons concerned about garden equipment theft, it is ideal to GOInGs-On wildlife programmes sparking our interest in British garden beasties, it is important to consider how you can encourage the wild and wonderful into your garden. For one in nine Britons, watching what goes on below the shrubs and up in the trees is just as important as which flowers are in bloom. Introducing bird feeders and log piles are a must.
TasTe OF THe GOOD LIFe Vegetable patches are very much in demand, with one in ten homeowners having them as a priority when looking for a new home. They are a great moneysaver (once established) and a brilliant way of eating the best seasonal fruit and vegetables.
aqUaTIC Ponds are a great way of adding a new dimension to any garden and can create a whole new wildlife habitat for all those water-bound beasts. Introducing a pond to a garden can be hard work but the end benefits outweigh all the labour that goes into creating it. FUrnITUre an outdoor living space is quickly becoming the answer for homeowners not wanting to upscale their homes but needing that extra space for summer parties and alfresco dining. Introducing a decked or paved area in one section of your garden is an effective way of creating the illusion of space.