Pensioners John and Irene Powell, aged 76 and 75 respectively, were expecting a tough time whatever happened in the budget.

Mr Powell was an engineer and Mrs Powell worked in catering before they retired.

They own their home in Woodingdean but do not have a car so they rely on buses and trains for transport. Neither Mr nor Mrs Powell smokes but Mr Powell enjoys the occasional glass of wine.

They go out "very rarely" because they can't afford it but enjoy walking and the occasional visit to the theatre and the British Legion.

Mr Powell has a state pension while Mrs Powell has a private pension worth about £200 a month.

Mrs Powell was concerned about the deal pensioners who had saved a bit of money received from the Government.

She said: "We're lucky because our generation is used to making do. We don't eat packaged food and I can make a meal out of nothing. What I'd like to see is the basic pension going back to being about the cost of living."

Matt said the budget added to this month's increase in the state pension. The new pension credit would supplement their income by up to £1,000 a year from October.

If John or Irene had to go into hospital they could be reassured their pension would not be cut.

They would not receive the additional winter fuel payment for another four years.