NHS campaigners and families have blasted the Government after reports of tax hikes, public sector pay freezes and an end to the triple lock on pensions being drafted in a bid to rebuild the economy.

They have warned the proposed changes could not come at a worse time for many and are a “kick in the teeth” for pensioners, families on low incomes and also key workers putting their lives on the line.

A spokesman for campaign group, Save Southend NHS, said: “After a decade of NHS staff being subjected to pay cuts and freezes and this time of the coronavirus which has seen staff risk their lives, and those of their families to protect and save lives, staff are rewarded with a pay freeze.

“It is a total disgrace, at a time when every single frontline worker is putting their life at risk to help the country function, this is the biggest insult this Government could deliver.

“I think it’s just unbelievable and horrifying but sadly it is not surprising.

“The joke of it all is that we are not out of the woods yet and there’s going to be a prolonged period of sacrifice. The feeling from the NHS staff is that this is a disgusting insult and a lot of people are totally outraged about this.

“This has been mooted when so many staff in the NHS and other key workers are suffering mentally, emotionally and psychically.”

Dad-of-four Del Thomas said a hike in income tax would hit his family hard, but he feels there is no option for the Government.

The 38-year-old from Southend said: “We are on the breadline and my wife lost her job during the crisis and I work for a charity, so we have have to live on a low income.

“I do agree something needs to be done to help the economy and do agree with the income tax rate despite how hard it will hit us and many other families.

“I do not agree with any public sector pay freezes and an end to the triple lock on pensions.

“I do not think the pensions lock will help at all especially when the elderly have had a difficult time and this seems like more punishment for them.

“I also do not think the public sector pay freeze is necessary at all and I think it will be a kick in the teeth to all those workers putting their own lives at risk.”

The reports of the suspected measures to help rebuild the economy have also been criticised by the TaxPayers’ Alliance.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “The government has a tough job on its hands in repairing the public finances, but increasing a 50-year high tax burden should not be a part of the plan.

“The government’s help so far has been a lifeline for million of families and thousands of small businesses, but taxpayers must also be protected in the recovery.”