Budget 2024 latest: Labour insists income tax threshold freeze would not break manifesto pledge
Speculation is mounting ahead of 30 October
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Sir Keir Starmer has insisted the government will keep its manifesto pledges amid reports the Chancellor could extend the freeze on income tax thresholds in this month’s Budget.
Rachel Reeves may be considering pushing the freeze beyond its current expiry date of 2028 in a move that could raise £7 billion, according to the Financial Times.
Continuing the freeze could help plug some of the £40 billion gap the Chancellor is grappling with in an effort to avoid a return to austerity.
Labour’s manifesto promised not to increase rates of income tax, but included no mention of tax thresholds.
The Treasury has so far declined to comment on Budget speculation, but when asked about possible tax changes during a press conference in Berlin, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We are going to keep our manifesto pledges.”
He added: “I’m not going to pre-empt the individual measures that will be outlined by the Chancellor in due course.”
Other measures reported to be under consideration include increasing employers’ national insurance contributions, raising fuel duty for the first time since 2010, changes to rules on inheritance tax and stamp duty, and a levy on e-cigarettes
We’ll be bringing you all the latest updates ahead of the big event on 30 October here, on The Independent’s liveblog.
Inheritance tax to rise in Budget as Reeves plans to hit well-off
The Treasury is reportedly considering plans to raise Inheritance Tax at the Budget, as part of an attempt to raise £40bn and plug a hole in the public finances.
According to the BBC, the chancellor is considering multiple changes to the tax, which is charged at 40 per cent on the property, possessions and money of somebody who has died above a £325,000 threshold.
Inheritance tax to rise in Budget as Reeves plans to hit well-off
Just 5 per cent of all deaths incurred Inheritance Tax in 2022–23
Independent readers name their priorities for Labour Budget
With a new Labour government in power and the first autumn statement on the horizon, we wanted to hear your economic priorities.
When we asked what you thought should be included in the budget, responses from Independent readers varied widely.
Here’s a closer look:
Readers name their priorities for Rachel Reeves’ looming Labour budget
Many called for a fairer tax system and more direct contributions for public services, while others petitioned for fewer regulations and ‘red tape’ to improve productivity
Reeves considers raising tax on vaping in Budget
Rachel Reeves is considering raising the tax on vaping products in the upcoming Budget as figures lay bare how many children access them in the UK, The Guardian reports.
The tax on vaping products was originally announced by the Conservatives in March, to come in to force in 2026. It is now understood that Ms Reeves could look to increase this.
Under current plans, the new rates from April 2026 will range from £1-3 per 10ml of liquid, depending on nicotine level.
Reeves’ capital gains tax plans will sidestep homeowners, reports say
Experts have long anticipated that Labour will put capital gains tax up in the Budget on 30 October. This is the levy is paid on the profit made when an asset which has increased in value is sold. This includes houses, assets and shares, all paid between 20 and 28 per cent.
The latest reports indicate that Ms Reeves will respond to calls to raise capital gains tax in line with income tax bands – meaning rates of 20 to 40 per cent – but will exempt property from the new rates.
Rachel Reeves to push forward with £3bn sickness benefits cut in Budget
Rachel Reeves is understood to be considering about £3bn of cuts to the welfare bill over the next four years by restricting access to sickness benefits, as the chancellor embarks on a brutal cost-cutting mission to fill a so-called £22 billion black hole left by the Tories.
The chancellor is expected to save the £3bn sum by committing to the previous government’s plans to reform work capability rules.
Rachel Reeves to push forward with sickness benefits cut in Budget
Charities warned the cuts would have a ‘devastating impact’ on disabled people
Independent readers name their priorities for Rachel Reeves’ looming Labour budget
When we asked what you thought should be included in the budget, responses from Independent readers varied widely.
Many called for a fairer tax system and more direct contributions for public services, while others petitioned for fewer regulations and ‘red tape’ to improve productivity.
Read more:
Readers name their priorities for Rachel Reeves’ looming Labour budget
Many called for a fairer tax system and more direct contributions for public services, while others petitioned for fewer regulations and ‘red tape’ to improve productivity
ICYMI: Angela Rayner leads Cabinet revolt against Reeves’ ‘huge’ Budget cuts
Sir Keir Starmer is facing a backlash from Angela Rayner and his cabinet over “huge” cuts to departmental spending to be unveiled in Rachel Reeves’ Budget.
The prime minister has received letters from senior ministers raising concerns about the spending cuts after a number spoke out against the measures at Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.
Angela Rayner leads Cabinet revolt against Reeves’ ‘huge’ Budget cuts
Senior ministers are pushing back against cuts as Rachel Reeves finalises her first Budget as chancellor
Budget rumours: Capital Gains reform
Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is paid on the profit made when an asset which has increased in value is sold. It is applied to things like the sale of personal possessions worth more than £6,000 (apart from a car), property that’s not the seller’s main home, shares and business assets.
It is charged at 10 or 18 percent for basic rate taxpayers, and 20 or 24 for higher or additional rate earners. There is a tax-free allowance of £3,000.
There are several ways CGT could be changed. In the run-up to the election, the Lib Dems and Greens both said they would rethink the tax bands to be more similar to income tax, raising an estimated £5.2bn a year.
Analysis: How make-or-break Budget has fractured Keir Starmer’s cabinet
Rachel Reeves’ Budget is a make-or-break moment for Sir Keir Starmer’s government, potentially sparking a decade of national renewal – or sowing the seeds of Labour’s downfall.
The prime minister’s poll ratings are at rock bottom after just over 100 days in charge, and the much-hyped “tough choices” to be unveiled on October 30 will likely do little to help boost his appeal.
How make-or-break Budget has fractured Keir Starmer’s cabinet
With the prime minister’s poll ratings at rock bottom, Sir Keir Starmer is grappling with cabinet unity ahead of Rachel Reeves’ Budget, writes Political Correspondent Archie Mitchell
ICYMI: Millionaires urge Reeves to raise £14bn from capital gains tax changes at Budget
Rachel Reeves should increase capital gains tax (CGT) at Labour’s upcoming Budget, a group of millionaire business owners have urged, estimating the measure would raise £14bn a year.
In a report by the IPPR think-tank, analysts have consulted with wealthy entrepreneurs who say higher CGT would not have stopped them from making investments in the UK.
Millionaires urge Reeves to raise £14bn from capital gains tax changes at Budget
Government analysis has previously all but ruled out the measures
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