Hunt Raises Minimum Wage but Rejects Tax Cuts, Disappointing Some Tories While Trying to Woo Voters Before 2024 Election

Treasury chief Hunt announced minimum wage hike but ruled out tax cuts to control inflation, angering some Conservatives.
Hunt said tax cuts would fuel inflation, but others at conference urged slashing taxes.
Hunt pledged to freeze civil service hiring, toughen welfare rules to get more into workforce.
Announcements aimed to please voters ahead of 2024 election, but Tories trail Labour in polls after years of turmoil.
Rail strike disrupted conference travel, fueling critics' attacks on Tories' handling of economy and north-south divide.

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Relevant topic timeline:

8/22/2023

Public borrowing below forecasts despite July rise

Government borrowing in the UK was lower than expected in July, sparking speculation about possible tax cuts later this year, however, analysts warn that the Chancellor may have little room for such cuts due to weakening economic forecasts and increasing interest rates.

9/11/2023

UK Pre-Election Tax Cuts Unlikely as Inflation Concerns Limit Options for Fiscal Stimulus

Jeremy Hunt has warned that high inflation rates in Britain will prevent tax cuts this autumn, as the Bank of England signals another rate rise to ease cost of living pressures. Hunt cautions against overstimulating the economy and pushing up prices by pumping extra money into consumers' pockets.

10/2/2023

UK Treasury Chief Announces Minimum Wage Hike But No Tax Cuts Amid High Inflation

Britain's Treasury chief Jeremy Hunt announced a hike in the national minimum wage to at least £11 per hour, but ruled out tax cuts, fueling concerns within the Conservative Party.