Rachel Reeves has made a commitment to address the rising cost of living to provide assistance to families following years of financial constraints imposed by the Conservative government.
In an assurance to Mirror readers, the Chancellor pledged to present a Budget focused on reducing NHS waiting lists, decreasing national debt, and lowering living expenses.
Reeves is set to announce her second Budget on November 26, anticipated to eliminate the two-child benefit limit, introduce taxes on larger properties, and implement measures to reduce energy costs.
She emphasized that “working families” would be her top priority in the Budget, aiming to establish a fairer, more resilient, and secure nation.
Reeves stated, “Working families will be my main focus as we address NHS waiting lists, reduce national debt, and alleviate the burden of living expenses. These are the nation’s priorities and my priorities as Chancellor.”
The government has already taken steps to reduce NHS waiting lists, extend the freeze on prescription charges in England, and introduce breakfast clubs to ensure children start the school day well-fed, saving parents money.
Reeves assured Mirror readers that her Budget will go beyond current efforts to benefit families, fostering a fairer and stronger Britain.
Additionally, the Budget will involve the recruitment of more planners across England to accelerate the construction of 1.5 million homes, with a £48 million boost allocated for 350 new planners to expedite vital projects.
Forecasts suggest that targeted tax increases may be introduced following improved financial projections, deviating from earlier indications of broad tax hikes.
Furthermore, the Budget is expected to outline plans for naming and shaming employers who violate national minimum wage regulations regularly, aiming to protect vulnerable workers and tackle outstanding cases.
Reeves’ Budget is projected to enhance the planning system’s capability to deliver quality homes, improved infrastructure, and vibrant communities, with an emphasis on swift decision-making and progress on major projects.
The Treasury is adamant about cracking down on exploitative employers to safeguard low-wage earners and ensure equitable pay practices, sending a clear message against labor exploitation.
In October, 500 employers were found to have underpaid the minimum wage, affecting around 42,000 workers, prompting the government to take stricter enforcement measures.
Among other anticipated announcements, Border Force and HM Revenue & Customs will receive extended powers to confiscate illegal vaping products instantly and issue substantial fines, while new legal violations could lead to imprisonment for business owners breaching regulations.