# Chorley pie seller says Budget offers no relief from rising costs

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/wheres-my-breathing-space-northern-pie-seller-who-backed-burnham-gives-brutal-verdict-on-budget-as-he-misses-out-on-business-rates-help-and-is-battered-by-labours-tax-on-jobs/
- Published: 2026-10-29T14:07:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T14:27:41+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16249249/Breathing-space-Northern-pie-Burnham-Healey-tax-jobs.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Business, Celebrity, Economy, Entertainment, Space, Technology, World

## Key points

- Paul Bowen says Budget relief excludes his two pie shops.
- He estimates new weekly costs could reach £4,000.
- He may raise prices and take a family pay cut.

## Summary

Paul Bowen, a pie seller with two shops in Chorley, criticised the Budget, saying its promised “breathing space” would not reach his business. He said he does not qualify for business rates relief and faces higher wage and supplier costs, adding to pressure from energy bills and employer National Insurance.

Bowen estimated the minimum wage rise would add £700 a week to his costs, while he expects suppliers to pass on a 10 per cent increase, worth £2,000 to £3,000 weekly. He said the combined extra costs could reach £4,000 a week, forcing him to raise prices and cut his own family’s income; the Government says 70,000 smaller high street businesses will be removed from business rates.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.