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

### Summary Pressure is mounting on Rishi Sunak to drive economic growth, as voters express concerns about the state of the economy despite recent positive figures. ### Facts - 62% of voters believe the economy is getting worse, while only 11% think it is improving. - Inflation has slowed to 6.8% in the year to July. - The Labour party is polling at 36% while the Conservatives are at 23%. - The Treasury is taking steps to support consumers, with Minister Andrew Griffith calling for banks to pass on the benefits of higher interest rates to savers. - Banks have been warned that they will face fines if they fail to provide free cash withdrawal and deposit services within specific distances from customers. - Economists and Tory MPs are urging the government to focus on reducing energy costs and costs in sectors such as transportation, housing, and retail banking to avoid stagflation and promote economic growth. - Tory MPs are relieved by positive news on the economy but want the government to address issues such as NHS waiting lists and migrants crossing the Channel.

9/9/2023

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

Rishi Sunak, the UK Chancellor, has vowed to resist policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and achieving Britain's net zero pledge, sparking a growing row within the Conservative Party over its commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

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.

Topics

Posted 9/9/2023, 5:10:39 PM

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

9/9/2023

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

9/11/2023

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

10/1/2023

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

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.