Bolton residents react to Budget announcement a week on

Chancellor John Healey announced a £100 energy payment for 20 million households in England, aimed at helping households manage the cost of energy bills.

The support scheme is designed for households in council tax bands A to D, with money expected to be paid directly into bank accounts from January 2027.

Oliver from Westhoughton (Image: N/A)

In Bolton, roughly 119,000 properties fall into those council tax bands, with thousands of local households standing to benefit.

The announcement has prompted questions about how much difference the payment could actually make to residents.

For some, people are happy with the payment as it will offer extra support towards household bills, while others question whether £100 is enough to make a lasting difference.

With households continuing to balance the cost of essentials, the announcement has inspired debates over what further support may be needed to help people manage their finances.

We took to the streets of Bolton to hear what locals had to say.

Oliver, from Westhoughton, said: "I think it's too soon to tell.

"I mean £100, it seems like a lot but in this economy it isn't really.

"If it benefits, they might keep it.

"If it doesn't, there might be call for it to be raised.

But it's way too soon tell I think."

Jack from Bolton (Image: N/A)

"I think overall it's going to do massive for those who can't even afford, who are choosing between heating the house or eating.

"It’s going to do massive for those who are struggling.

"It'll benefit those as well who are able to do both, but it might still damage financially."

John, from Bolton, said: "Our pockets are not matching the inflation"

"I think it's a good intervention.

"It's a good step in the right direction.

"It can make a big difference."

"If you can pay for gas and buy transport, then you can save money on something new."

Maria, from Darwen, said:"I think a lot needs to be done.

"For children, nurseries.

"The cost of everything. From being babies right up to pensioners."

Maria from Darwen (Image: N/A)

"I think every governments been the same. I have no faith in any of them if I'm being honest with you. I have no faith in any of them."

Jack, from Bolton, has said he wants to see the government focus on other rising costs.

He said: "I think they should be focusing more on food prices mainly.

The cost of living now is just a general shock.

"You're talking twenty-five to thirty pounds just for your little groceries and bits.

"And another thing we should concentrate on is transport.

"I thought after 60, you know 60 plus, you could get free transport, but that's not involved anymore."