Budget Buzz: Jeremy Hunt to Share Plans for 2p National Insurance Decrease
Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce a 2p cut to National insurance in the upcoming Budget, mirroring a reduction announced in the Autumn Statement. This move, primarily focusing on employees, is intended to alleviate individual tax burdens. The cut could save someone earning £35,000 annually, or approximately £450 per year. The emphasis on National Insurance is seen as a more cost-effective option compared to cutting income tax.
Hunt, facing pressure to lower taxes, is likely to underscore the government’s commitment to rewarding work and putting more money in people’s pockets. However, this announcement comes amid concerns about sluggish economic growth, with the country experiencing a recession at the end of the previous year.
Despite the economic challenges, Hunt aims to emphasize the government’s commitment to supporting workers, especially in the context of a potential general election this year. Some Conservative MPs express reservations about the political impact of National Insurance cuts, considering it less understood by voters than income tax reductions.
Labour leader Keir Starmer is expected to criticize the proposed tax cuts during his response to the Budget. He argues that the benefits of tax reductions may be negated by the freezing of tax thresholds, causing individuals to pay higher rates of tax. Additionally, Hunt is set to announce a freeze on fuel duty for another year, maintaining the current levy unchanged since 2011.
In a bid to address financial challenges faced by councils, Hunt will call for a reduction in spending on diversity schemes and consultants. Despite struggling to balance their budgets, councils have faced criticism for such spending. The Local Government Association has dismissed attacks on diversity schemes as a “distraction,” highlighting the minimal spending on these projects.
The chancellor is also exploring additional revenue-raising measures, including a new tax on vapes and potentially scrapping non-dom tax status. Non-domiciled status allows UK residents whose tax home is abroad to avoid paying UK tax on foreign income. Labour has pledged to abolish non-dom status, redirecting the funds to support schools and the NHS. As the government contemplates tax cuts, the challenge lies in finding avenues to fund spending pledges, especially if Labour supports any announced reductions.
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