Surrey residents and businesses call for cost-of-living help before budget
With high housing costs and rising prices, people in one of England's wealthiest counties say they are struggling to make ends meet.
At a glance
- Surrey's high housing costs and rising prices are pushing working households into poverty despite the county's wealth.
- Residents want lower food and energy costs, while hospitality businesses seek cuts to business rates and VAT.
- The Treasury says it has removed VAT from electricity bills, capped bus fares, and extended a fuel duty cut.
Surrey residents and business owners are calling for government support to ease cost-of-living pressures as Chancellor John Healey prepares to deliver his first budget on Wednesday. The county is one of the UK's largest net economic contributors after London, yet average house prices of around £500,000 and high rents make it one of the most expensive places to live.
High costs in a wealthy county Elmbridge, a borough in Surrey, has some of the highest housing costs in the country and has seen a rise in poverty, with 68% of those affected belonging to working households, according to the Walton Charity. Jo Burton from Hersham says food prices are climbing and school uniforms "cost an absolute fortune." James Stevenson, also from Hersham, says his household runs out of money each month despite careful budgeting. "We need to get the people at central government to actually understand what it's like on the ground," he said.
Residents struggle with essentials Lucy from Banstead, a mother of two, describes Surrey as a "lovely area to have kids in" but a "very stressful place to live" because it is expensive. After paying essential bills for energy, rent and fuel, she says nothing is left for her children's needs. She relies on Banstead Pantry, run by the charity Good Company, to help provide for her family. Lucy wants ministers to prioritise lowering food prices.
Businesses seek tax relief Andy Hayward, owner of Thames Side Brewery in Staines, says hospitality is tough across the board. He would like the government to reduce business rates, cut VAT on hospitality and introduce measures so "the public have more money in their pocket." Live music at his venue helps attract customers, but he says people now need a specific reason to go out.
Government response An HM Treasury spokesperson acknowledged that families are feeling the impact of higher prices pushed up by conflicts overseas. The Chancellor is focused on giving households and businesses "a bit of breathing space where we can." The Treasury cited the removal of VAT from electricity bills, a cap on bus fares in England at £2 in 2027, an extension of the 5p fuel duty cut, and freezes on rail fares and prescription charges.
Source: BBC Business.
Questions and answers
- Why are Surrey residents struggling despite the county's wealth?
- High house prices around £500,000 and rising costs for food, energy, and school uniforms leave many working households with nothing left after essential bills.
- What support are businesses asking for in the budget?
- Pub and brewery owner Andy Hayward wants reduced business rates, a VAT cut for hospitality, and measures to give the public more disposable income.
- What has the government already done to help with living costs?
- The Treasury says it removed VAT from electricity bills, capped bus fares at £2 in 2027, extended the 5p fuel duty cut, and froze rail fares and prescription charges.
Original reporting: BBC Business (bbc.co.uk)
surreycost of livingbudget 2026john healeyhospitality
