Watch as Office for Budget Responsibility holds press conference after Hunt’s autumn statement
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Watch as the Office for Budget Responsibility holds a press conference following Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement.
The chancellor announced tax cuts, tighter welfare rules and further measures aimed at getting more people into work on Wednesday 22 November.
His speech, delivered to the Commons, is the government’s main opportunity outside of the Budget to make tax and spending announcements.
Mr Hunt used the statement to introduce changes aimed at reviving both the UK’s struggling economy and the Tories’ election chances.
The chancellor’s package in full contains 110 measures he hopes will boost growth.
Mr Hunt announced the national living wage will rise by £1.02 to £11.44 from April, with the policy extended to cover workers aged 21 and over for the first time, rather than 23 and over.
It means the lowest paid will receive a boost of £1,800 a year.
Meanwhile, welfare recipients who do not find a job within 18 months will be forced to undertake work experience under plans to get more people into employment.
Those who do not comply with the rules will have their benefits, including access to free prescriptions and legal aid, cut off.
Mr Hunt also confirmed alcohol duty will be frozen until 1 August next year, meaning no increase in duty on beer, cider, wine or spirits, while tobacco duty will increase.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments