https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/britain-braces-misery-budget

BRITAIN must brace for a misery Budget of tax rises and spending cuts, beleaguered Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed today as experts also warned of rising unemployment.

Ms Reeves alleged that the economic problems she is struggling with could be attributed to Brexit, as the government increasingly protests about Britain’s exclusion from the European Union, a pose with potentially far-reaching political implications.

She brought an end to weeks of speculation by confirming that tax rises will feature in her Budget, scheduled for the end of November.

However, she did not indicate where the burden would fall. Labour committed at the general election to not raise income tax, VAT or employees’ National Insurance, pledges now regarded as a straitjacket.

While there are other measures the Chancellor could announce, they would not be likely to raise as much cash. She has firmly set her face against a wealth tax so far.

Ms Reeves also indicated that spending cuts will be on the Budget agenda. Her drive to cut the welfare Bill through reducing benefits for disabled people was thwarted in the summer by a backbench Labour rebellion.

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