Some great suggestions within this thread...
I pick some Monsavon every time I'm in France - an absolute steal at 1 Euro... After some trial and error, I use a big boar brush (Omega 49) and load generously...Nice scent (without overpowering) too.
For UK budget creams / soaps (available on the high street) Erasmic cream at about £1 per tube, or Ingram at around £1.75 perform very well for me, as does the Erasmic soap bowl at around £2.
Palmolive stick, or cream - legendary, and only 50 pence / £1.50 or so respectively.
The Wilkinson Sword (blue bowl) gets a hard time from some, but at £2...Bloom the puck for a few mins, (as Erasmic) and no problem - for me, at least.
Lastly, don't ignore 'Boots' own brand stuff - pick of the bunch being the 'Freshwood' soap (in a bowl) at £3.50, and the stick of the same range at £1.75. The Freshwood AS splash & balm are great too - around £3 each.