Case study: The middle-income family

'Increased spending will not stop terror'

Phil and Barbara Cullimore. Son, James

Mrs Cullimore: Senior benefits liaison officer for Wokingham district council, Mr Cullimore: credit controller for INS

Home: Wokingham, Berkshire, with £220,000 four-bedroom house

Age: Mr Cullimore, 51; Mrs Cullimore, 50; James, 15

Income: £42,000; £25,000 Mrs Cullimore, £17,000 Mr Cullimore

Savings: £10,000

Company benefits: Contributory pension scheme

Outgoings (per month): £100 pension, £70 season ticket, £520 mortgage

Politics: Usually a Conservative voter, but unsure about election

Budget hopes: Hopes motorists are not hit again; the road fund licence is scrapped but fuel costs increased. Would like to see inventive solutions to fill the deficit from the Iraq war, rather than a hike in National Insurance.

Actual effect of Budget: Mr and Mrs Cullimore are £124 richer in 2004-05. Their NI and tax will decrease, by £29 and £72 respectively. Their child benefit will increase by £23.

"We are happy about that. The Budget was neutral this year; there was nothing immediately, wildly alarming. I am not convinced by the increased spending to protect us against terrorism. We can spend all we like protecting ourselves, but if a terrorist wants to attack, they will. The Madrid bombs only prove that.

"I think the Civil Service is over-manned; whether sacking and relocating staff will be effective, I am really not sure. I am pleased to notice the provisions for pensioners. My mother and mother-in-law will benefit, because they are over 70. Brown has obviously done a lot of work on his figures, because he has differentiated between those who are 65 and the 70-year-olds. He must have worked out that we couldn't afford to help out all pensioners. But it is confusing; why is an 80-year-old more deserving than someone of 70, or of 65?

"The money for schools is much needed. I am glad most of the money is going to primary and secondary schools, because that benefits everyone. The last thing I want to see is more money going into further education. Not everyone goes to university, yet everyone deserves a good basic education, which I am not convinced is available throughout the country."

Genevieve Roberts