Aberdeen, long known as the heart of the United Kingdom's oil and gas industry, is reacting to the latest Budget announcements with a mix of hope and frustration. The government's decision to relax some restrictions on new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea has been welcomed by many in the sector, as it could help sustain jobs and prolong the industry's future during the transition to renewable energy. However, there is widespread disappointment that the Energy Profits Levy, often called the windfall tax, will remain in place until 2030, with many local business owners and industry leaders arguing that it is harming the sector and accelerating its decline.

Local businesses, from pubs to taxi drivers, feel the impact of changes in the oil and gas industry, with some reporting fewer customers and a sense of uncertainty about the future. While government officials defend the windfall tax as necessary for public investment, many in Aberdeen believe more should be done to support the industry and ensure a just transition for workers. The debate highlights the challenges facing Europe's energy capital as it navigates a shifting economic landscape.