Words and pictures by Luke Cromhout, and Rupert Birkett-Eyles; design by Harry Merrell

In Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement this week, the Chancellor appealed to voters across the demographic and political spectrum.

For the elderly, a commitment to triple-locking pensions and for the lowest earners, a rise in the National Minimum Wage. Workers are also set to benefit from a 2% cut in National Insurance.

Yet, widespread cynicism remains in response to the promised tax-cutting budget with official figures showing the overall tax burden is at its highest in recent decades. 

Local councils have also been seemingly overlooked, with no additional funding allocated despite rising budget pressures.

Eastlondonlines reporters took to the streets to hear the public response to the incoming changes.