Sunak Refuses to Rule Out Benefit Cuts Despite 'Morally Bankrupt' Warnings as Hunt and Tories Push Tax Relief

Rishi Sunak refused to rule out cutting benefit payments to fund pre-election tax cuts, despite warnings it would be "morally bankrupt."
Sunak said decisions on benefits uprating are announced in the Autumn Statement, calling it a "normal" process.
Anti-poverty groups warned cutting benefits as inflation remains high would force millions deeper into hardship.
Liz Truss's allies accused Jeremy Hunt of stealing her tax cut idea that could have boosted the economy by £4bn.
Hunt and Sunak have pledged to cut taxes when the economy allows, but it still suffers from after-effects of covid, cost of living crisis, and Truss's mini-budget.

independent.co.uk

Relevant topic timeline:

8/19/2023

Most Britons believe the economy is getting worse despite wage boost

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9/9/2023

Sunak Urges Caution on Net Zero Policies, Warning of Impact on Consumers

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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.

10/1/2023

Sunak dodges HS2 question as Tories push tax cuts, Labour 'bombproofs' policies, Mirren comments on Jewish roles amid net zero uncertainty

Senior Tories, including former home secretary Dame Priti Patel and levelling up secretary Michael Gove, have voiced support for tax cuts and reductions in income tax and inheritance tax ahead of the election, while Rishi Sunak avoided commenting on whether the HS2 rail line would reach Manchester but emphasized the importance of tackling inflation.

10/1/2023

Sunak Prioritizes Inflation Control Over Pre-Election Tax Cuts, Causing Rift Within Conservative Party

UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emphasized his priority of curbing inflation and easing living costs but declined to commit to lowering taxes before the next general election.