I am writing in response to Sir Bob Russell’s letter (April 2) regarding the Budget helping the poor.

Speaking as one of the poor, I can safely say the Government has, in fact, done nothing to help the poor.

It has increased the basic income tax allowance by a few quid, but this will get deducted from working tax credit/child tax credit payments.

The price of petrol/diesel has increased faster under Cameron/Clegg than at any time in the last 40 years, prescriptions are going up again, as is postage.

Add to this increases in vehicle tax and energy prices and the working man no longer works to live.

Instead, we work to survive.

Patrick Mead
Windmill Court
Copford