// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
'We need help for small businesses, not punishment'
Kevin Evans has said there is nothing in the new budget to help small businesses
"We need more help for small businesses instead of punishing them," said butcher Kevin Evans, in response to the government's new tax and spending plans.
In the Budget, set out by Chancellor John Healey on Wednesday, a number of measures were announced, including a one-off £100 payment for up to 20 million households in council tax bands A-D in England.
However, for those living and working in Bilston, Wolverhampton, not enough is being done to tackle the rising cost of living.
"The electricity is a killer, it's a big one, it's mega money. It's just out of control now," added Kevin Evans, a butcher and business owner.
"Six sausages would have cost you £1.50 last year, but it's around £2.50 now."
The Budget also included a 3.9% rise in the legal minimum wage from April, as well as a new flat-rate state pension increase of £488 a year, equivalent to 3.9%, under the triple lock policy. The old basic state pension will rise by £374.40.
Watch: What are the key points from the Budget and how will they be funded?
Will I get the £100 energy payment and when will I receive it?
Evans told BBC Radio WM the measures would make things harder for his business, not easier.