THE stars of Channel 4's hit TV show 'Gogglebox' have had thousands glued to their screens and laughing for several years.

And now Oxford-based business owner Simon Thomas has taken a leaf out of the show's books to produce his own 'Gogglebox-style' video.

But his topic is no laughing matter as Mr Thomas gives his honest opinions on the Autumn Statement, which was revealed last month.

Sitting in The Fishes, in North Hinksey, Mr Thomas is filmed by Cumnor photographer, Tom Ross, as he gives his honest reaction to Mr Hammond's speech in the House of Commons on Wednesday, November 23.

He said: "The reason why we wanted to do something akin to the show was to try and make it as accessible as possible.

“It is important that people are aware of these decisions being made and how it will affect them.

"We wanted to have my sister there too who is a macro-economist but unfortunately she couldn't make it so you just have me."

The chartered accountant who owns Ridgefield Consulting said he thought it was important for people in Oxford to understand what the government's changes would mean for them.

He said: "The most important aspect of the budget is that it will affect anyone on minimum wage or benefits in kind.

"The main headline minimum wage increase was from £7.20 to £7.50 - but note that this is the rate for the 25s and over.

"Benefits are affected because the, ‘taper relief’ on universal credits has dropped from 65p to 63p – this basically means lower income families will get less."

Mr Thomas thought it was a 'little odd' that Mr Hammond failed to address Brexit in his speech or a long term economic plan.

He added: "I think that overall, although it appeared perhaps a little dry, it was a good first budget given that he is new."

After his honest reactions to Philip Hammond's announcement, Mr Thomas faces the camera where he gives a small break down of some of the key points including: taxation, benefit in kind, national minimum wage, National Insurance and insurance premium tax.

He added: "The break-down at the end of the video we thought would be useful.

"It is in four different parts but as I have said before it was not as explosive and exciting as past budgets have been."

Mr Thomas hopes this will not be his last performance on screen and intends for the company to continue to produce accessible videos.

To view the video visit: http://bit.ly/2fP2X7c