Case Study: Company car driver
'It's maybe time to look at having a private car'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tamsin Johnston
PR manager for RAC
Age: 36
Home: King's Norton, Birmingham. Lives alone
Income: £33,000
Savings: About £1,000
Company benefits: Company car, contributory pension, Bupa health cover
Outgoings (per month): Mortgage £400, gym £25
Politics: Floating voter, tends to opt for Tories
Hopes for Budget: More emphasis on education, NHS, public services
Actual effect of Budget: £90 per year worse off, due to increase in income tax on company car and benefits (£62), and National Insurance (£64), offset by decrease in Income Tax payments (£36)
"My company car is a convenience; it gives me peace of mind, but with this increase of £90 on car costs, I think it's time to start looking at the financial benefits. There is an "opt-out" scheme with our company, and I will be looking into this. I have a fuel card, and pay tax on the card. It's a convenience, like a credit card ... [but] it's not worth it financially when you are taxed on petrol. I will weigh up the pros and cons.
"In general I thought it was a good Budget. I am pleased money has gone into education, health and to local authorities.
"I find the emphasis on defence against terrorism very reassuring. I am also pleased that stamp duty has been frozen. It is also good that money is going into roads. But I think more money should be put into public transport. I find it ironic that 4p has been put on bottles of wine, but no increase on spirits. Red wine has medicinal benefits ... the Budget doesn't really reflect that."
Genevieve Roberts
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments