Intro

With the Autumn budget looming, the government has some tough decisions to make. Rachel Reeves has to find a predicted £30bn in extra revenue to meet her self-imposed fiscal rules.

But as part of its manifesto pledges, Labour promised not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT.

And after a crushing defeat in Wales last week, what can the government actually get away with without angering the public further?

Anoosh Chakelian is joined by polling analyst Steve Akehurst.

Read: Just Raise Tax by Will Dunn

Read: Least worst options: understanding voter attitudes in the run up to the 2025 Budget

SAVE £££ THIS CHRISTMAS:

⭐️ Gift big ideas, bold politics, and proper journalism from just £2

LISTEN AD-FREE:

📱Download the New Statesman app

MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:

❓ Ask a question – we answer them every Friday

⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter every morning

✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.