Chancellor Rachel Reeves is scheduled to present a significant address at the Labour Party’s yearly conference in Liverpool today. The focus of her speech will be on introducing a “youth jobs guarantee,” which ensures paid employment opportunities for individuals under 25 who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months without engaging in work or education.
Reeves will emphasize the importance of rewarding hard work and contributing to society while acknowledging the need for stringent measures to address a £30 billion deficit in the country’s finances. Despite the Labour Party’s commitment not to increase income tax, National Insurance, or VAT, Reeves has not ruled out implementing tough measures to rectify the financial shortfall.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will also introduce stricter regulations for migrants seeking to stay in the UK. Under the proposed rules, migrants must demonstrate proficiency in English, maintain a clean criminal record, and engage in community volunteering activities if they wish to secure indefinite leave to remain in the country.
In her speech today, Rachel Reeves will pledge to provide paid work opportunities for unemployed young individuals as part of the newly introduced Youth Guarantee program. The initiative aims to eradicate long-term youth unemployment and establish a society that values contribution and equitable rewards for hard work.
The policy will require young individuals who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months without engaging in work or education to accept guaranteed paid work placements. Failure to comply without a valid reason may result in benefit sanctions. Reeves will unveil the Youth Guarantee during her address at the Labour conference later today.
Reeves faced questions regarding the possibility of raising VAT during a recent interview, where she reiterated the Labour Party’s commitment to improving the financial situation for working individuals. She highlighted the importance of not burdening working people with additional taxes and reaffirmed the party’s manifesto pledges.
Additionally, Rachel Reeves will announce plans to fund libraries in all English primary schools and provide support for the British steel and shipbuilding industries as part of her speech at the Labour conference. The Chancellor’s address is expected to set the tone for upcoming budget decisions concerning tax and expenditure.
Moreover, David Lammy is set to introduce measures for “smarter justice” by expanding new sentencing options aimed at addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. The Justice Secretary’s plan includes the expansion of intensive supervision courts, which focus on providing support to offenders with complex needs to break the cycle of reoffending.
As the Labour conference unfolds, various party members and officials are engaging in discussions and debates on critical issues such as immigration policies, economic reforms, and party leadership strategies. The conference serves as a platform for addressing key challenges and outlining the party’s vision for the future.