'We are still struggling after last year's Budget'

"Whilst he hopes his staff's taxes don't go up, he would welcome the removal of the two-child benefit cap if the chancellor removes it on Wednesday. "There are four million children living in poverty," he said. "I'm hopeful the chancellor will do the right thing on child benefit." Gina Bonsu, a businesswoman from Grays, agrees with Mr Woodbridge about the cap. "That will be great for our parents," she said."

""The demand is still huge in social care," he added. "The reality is if you can't pay enough money you can't attract staff. At the moment we could do with about 10 staff. "But our wages are only just competitive for the local market." It has meant there is a waiting list for his care company's services because they cannot offer higher pay. "Disabled people themselves are having to wait whilst we recruit the staff," he added."

Changes to employer national insurance increased payroll costs for a Thurrock social-enterprise care provider, raising monthly costs from an expected £4,000 to about £8,000. The increased expense forced the organisation to accept lower profit margins and limit staff pay rises, reducing capacity to recruit and leaving around ten additional carers needed. Wages remain only just competitive locally, producing waiting lists for disabled people who require care. The provider hopes staff taxes will not rise and supports removal of the two-child benefit cap to help families. A local businesswoman also backs removing the cap to assist parents.

Read at www.bbc.com