Ahead of Wednesday's crucial budget announcement, the historic West Yorkshire town of Halifax is buzzing with opinion. Sky News took to the town's vibrant night-time economy to gauge the mood and priorities of its residents and business owners.
Cheese, Conversation, and Economic Concerns
In the upstairs bar of a sleek new brewery, the monthly cheese club was in full swing. Amidst the 'homage to fromage', discussions about the upcoming budget were less popular than the wine selection, but when asked, no one held back.
Natalie Rogers, who runs her own small business with her partner, was clear about her priorities. "I think investing in small businesses, investing in these northern towns, where at one time we were making all the money for the country, can we not get back to that?" she said, highlighting a desire for a renewed focus on local industries.
At a neighbouring table, Ali Fletcher argued for more radical change. "I think wealth inequality is a major problem. The divide is getting wider. For me, a wealth tax is absolutely critical," he stated, questioning the government's financial choices.
The Night-Time Economy Speaks Out
The area around Halifax's historic Piece Hall is a hub of activity, with clubs, bars, and restaurants working hard to defy the current economic crunch. This sector serves as a useful barometer for the changing landscapes of UK towns.
Michael Ainsworth, owner of the Graystone Unity bar and music venue, spoke from direct experience. "Whenever there's a budget, for a few days afterwards, there's a drop off in trade," he revealed. He suggested the government should look at closing tax loopholes for huge businesses operating with banking arrangements outside the UK instead of raising taxes on individuals.
In his venue, the sounds of a folk singer and a basement punk band provided the backdrop for conversations about the future. Recent graduates Josh Kinsella and Ruby Firth, who moved to Halifax for its affordable housing, voiced a generational concern. "Can we stop triple-locking the pensions, please? Stop giving pensioners everything," said Josh, expressing a feeling that younger people are bearing an unfair burden.
A Call for Recognition and Support
Ben Randm, a musician with the band Silver Tongued Rascals, feels that everyday people are an afterthought in policy decisions. "We're always seen as statistics... the ramifications that has for people's livelihoods, for people's mental health, for people's passion and drive... it's such a struggle," he explained. He, like many in the hospitality sector, is calling for extra help for venues that provide a vital community link.
This sentiment was echoed by David Van Gestel, who chose Halifax to open the third branch of his bar, MAMIL. On a busy quiz night, he pointed out the challenge of enticing people out of their homes and the relentless rise in costs. "I think the government needs to start putting some initiatives in place. They talk about growth but the reality is that the only thing we're seeing grow is our costs," he said.
As the Chancellor finalises the budget, the message from Halifax is clear: the people of Britain's northern towns are watching closely, hoping for choices that will invest in their future, support their local economies, and address the deep-seated issue of inequality.
