Mini-budget: Tax cuts for millions set to be unveiled

Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng will later unveil a mini-budget with National Insurance and corporation tax cuts.

Details of cuts to other taxes such as stamp duty may also be announced as the government tries to limit the impact of soaring energy bills on households.

Experts expect it to be the biggest tax-cutting event for 34 years.

Labour said funding these tax cuts by borrowing would leave people paying more for longer.

However, the government hopes the tax cuts will boost the economy, increase its revenues and prevent a massive increase in the national debt.

The government has confirmed it will let people keep more of their earnings by cutting National Insurance (NI).

Other measures could include:

The announcements will be made by new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, who is in charge of the public finances.

The tax-cutting plans under consideration could cost at least £30bn.

There is speculation that the government may cut stamp duty, a tax paid when people buy a property in England and Northern Ireland.

No tax is paid on transactions up to £125,000, and from there it rises in bands to a maximum of 12% for the portion over £1.5m. It raises around £12bn for the Treasury.

The government is thought to be considering a cut, to help first-time buyers and house moves, which would boost economic growth, according to the Times newspaper.

NI was set to return to its old rate from April 2023 – to be replaced by a new Health and Social Care Levy at a rate of 1.25%. The levy will now not be introduced.

The NHS will still get the funding it was promised, but government is now expected to borrow the money rather than raise it from tax.

High earners will benefit most, as they pay the most NI. An NI cut won’t help pensioners or those on low income or benefits because they don’t pay the tax.

Corporation tax

This tax is based on the annual profits that a company makes.

However, Ms Truss is set to cancel the rise.

Green levies

These charges fund schemes like insulation and renewable energy.

The prime minister has promised to temporarily scrap the levies, saving households about £150 each.

Income tax

A possible cut on the main tax on people’s earnings could also be on the cards.

Universal credit

Mr Kwarteng is expected to announce a welfare shake-up to “get Britain working again”.

This is set to include universal credit, a benefit payment paid to working-age people.

The mini-budget could also see an end to the cap on bankers’ bonuses. This was introduced across the EU in 2014 (when the UK was still a member) following the global financial crisis. Under the current rules, a banker’s bonus cannot be higher than their annual salary – unless shareholders agree.

When asked if she would be happy to see bankers getting bigger bonuses, Ms Truss said she wanted to see a growing economy.

The government may also announce the creation of “special investment zones”. Certain locations could be allowed to relax planning rules and reduce business taxes to encourage investment.

Critics, including Ms Truss’ Conservative leadership rival Rishi Sunak, argue immediate tax cuts will require the government to borrow more.

The money, plus interest, will eventually need to be paid back by taxpayers.

However, Ms Truss argues tax cuts will help the economy grow – bringing in more money which will cover the cost of the amount borrowed.

Major decisions about tax and spending are normally made twice a year – in an autumn Budget Statement and a Spring Statement.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) – which gives independent advice to the government – normally publishes its own analysis of these statements. It sets out the cost of new policies, how much tax will be raised and what it means for the economy.

However, the government is refusing to publish the OBR’s assessment alongside the mini-budget.

The Treasury said it “remain[s] committed to maintaining the usual two forecasts in this fiscal year, as is required”.

An update on the timetable for the next OBR forecast will come during Friday’s statement.

A full-scale Budget is expected later this year, but no date has been set.

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