Rachel Reeves Commits to Stable Tax Policy in Upcoming Budget
Labour Chancellor Vows No New Tax Increases Despite Economic Challenges
Rachel Reeves, the Labour Chancellor, announced she would not impose further tax rises in the next budget, emphasizing the need for the government to live within its means.
This follows last week's historic tax increase package, which raised £40bn, marking the largest in three decades.
During a Commons Treasury select committee meeting, Reeves stated that no additional funds or borrowing would be necessary for unprotected government departments including local councils, courts, and prisons.
Insisting that current budget allocations are sufficient for the next five years, she acknowledged the challenge of maintaining services without additional revenue.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies has suggested that an extra £9bn could be needed to prevent austerity, highlighting potential future financial strains.
Despite increased government borrowing costs affecting investor confidence, Reeves assured that spending would grow at 2% annually in real terms until 2030.
She affirmed that this budget aimed to reset public finances from previous governance and was not indicative of future tax policy trends.