CHELTENHAM: At first glance yesterday's Budget was a complete non-event, according to Paul Bence, operations director of George Bence and Sons builders' merchants.
"As everyone knows the inevitable and necessary large cuts in public expenditure are yet to be implemented – by whoever wins the next election.
"In the meantime, it is an exercise in trying to look responsible, offend as few voters as possible and basically do very little. All a bit pathetic and one of the disadvantages that democracy brings with it. The only part to note is the 'no stamp duty for first-time buyers on houses up to £250 000'," Mr Bence said.
"If you can't afford a 1% tax on a new house then you shouldn't really be buying one, as you'll be the next person to default on your repayments and another bank will lose £100 000-plus by writing off your mortgage."
Mr Bence added that "the fuel duty rise staging with have a minimal impact on our company transport department."
