Many people across the UK breathed a sigh of relief when Rishi Sunak announced his budget yesterday.
Furlough has been extended and there is more money for companies struggling to stay afloat – and for those who rely on universal credit, the extra £ 20 added last year will remain for now.
But for others, the chancellor’s announcements generated mixed emotions.
Louise King owns a hairdressing salon, Wilderness Hair, in Liverpool, which started making shampoo when she couldn’t open it and she thinks it’s a two-half budget.
“We really welcomed the roadmap outside the block, restarting grants £ 18,000,” she says, and agrees that spending more on apprentices is a good idea.
But she adds: “What really leaves us disappointed is that our industry is not getting the VAT cut like the hospitality industry.”
Copyright: Oliver Holt
Oliver Holt in Thornton, Blackpool, hopes it is good news for him.
The 20-year-old is about to leave college with a level 3 certificate in mechanics and has applied for an internship, but so far with no luck.
He says the chancellor’s promise to increase funding for employers who hire young apprentices to £ 3,000 is “a great idea”.
“I hope this happens,” he says, adding: “I have already signed up for so many different candidates and I always get an email or they don’t answer me.
“I’m finding it very difficult at the moment, to be honest.”
You can read more people’s opinions about the budget here.