Has the chancellor just raised the most painful tax of all ?
Oct 30, 2024
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Rachel Reeves, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, discusses her first budget, which has sparked controversy due to a £40 billion tax increase that threatens working people. She explores the implications of rising National Insurance, its effects on hiring and wages, and the lack of support for vulnerable groups, like pensioners facing cuts to winter fuel allowances. The conversation also touches on the broader challenges of economic growth forecasts and the balancing act between taxation and public investment.
The Chancellor's budget reveals a significant £40 billion tax increase that contradicts previous promises not to burden working people.
Concerns arise over the sustainability of economic growth as tax changes may stifle investment and impact businesses amid ongoing uncertainty.
Deep dives
Broken Promises in the Budget
The Chancellor's budget reveals a series of broken promises, highlighting significant tax increases that contradict previous commitments to avoid raising national insurance for workers. A notable feature of the budget is the £40 billion increase in taxes, which is described as the largest since the 1970s. Specifically, changes to employers' national insurance contributions and increases in capital gains and inheritance taxes are emphasized as major points of concern. Critics argue that these measures disproportionately impact workers and businesses, raising questions about the government's transparency and trustworthiness.
Tax Changes and Economic Impact
The budget proposes substantial changes to taxation that may have far-reaching implications for businesses and individuals alike. The increase in capital gains tax and the inclusion of pension pots in inheritance tax plans signal a shift in how wealth will be taxed moving forward. The decision to freeze tax thresholds until 2030 and the introduction of a stamp duty surcharge for second homes also indicate a tightening of financial regulations. These tax changes come at a time of economic uncertainty, prompting debates about their potential to stifle growth and investment.
Investment Commitments Amidst Tax Hikes
Despite the extensive tax increases, the budget also includes pledges for public investment that aim to support various sectors of the economy. Funding for schools, healthcare, and infrastructure projects such as road repairs is highlighted as an effort to mitigate the negative impacts of tax hikes. Additionally, the Chancellor communicates a strategic focus on long-term economic growth, claiming that recent investments would yield positive returns over time. However, some critics question whether these investments will be sufficient to outweigh the concerns raised by the new taxation measures.
Long-Term Growth Projections and Challenges
The Office for Budget Responsibility's forecast indicates that the UK's economic growth may not meet government targets, adding complexity to the newly proposed budget measures. While there are assurances that the government's focus will lead to enhanced performance in the long term, short-term projections remain less optimistic. The Chancellor advocates for patience, suggesting that the economic landscape could improve over the next decade with the right reforms. Nevertheless, skepticism remains prevalent among analysts regarding the government’s ability to stimulate sustainable growth in light of current fiscal challenges.
If there’s one thing Rachel Reeves drilled into us in the months before delivering her first budget, it’s that none of her tax rises would target working people. So how have we ended up with a £40 billion tax raid which WILL almost certainly hit working people? The NI increase to employers will make it harder for them to hire, raise wages or expand businesses. So how does that add up? And why were there no new measures today to offset the cuts to winter fuel allowance for the elderly? We popped down to the Treasury to ask Reeves in person.
Later, Steve Bannon is out of prison, Joe Biden is messing up his apostrophes and Kamala Harris is speaking to thousands of fans - in a district she’s already won. Just another crazy day in election town.
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