Watch the 2023 Spring Budget as Jeremy Hunt announces childcare and energy bill support
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 Jeremy Hunt delivers his Spring Budget to the House of Commons on Wednesday (15 March) and follow The Independent’s live blog featuring the latest updates.
Speaking in the House of Commons, the chancellor announced the UK economy is “on the right track” as he outlined his policies for 2023.
Mr Hunt also explained how the government intends to help relieve the cost of living crisis, confirming the energy price guarantee will be extended for a further three months from April to June at its current level.
He went on to announce pension and childcare benefit changes to encourage more people to get back to work, focusing on helping 700,000 parents on Universal Credit who had limited requirements to look for jobs.
“Many remain out of work because they cannot afford the upfront payment necessary to access subsidised childcare. So for any parents who are moving into work or want to increase their hours, we will pay their childcare costs upfront,” Mr Hunt said.
“And we will increase the maximum they can claim to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two children, an increase of almost 50 per cent.”
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer then made a statement of his own, responding to Mr Hunt’s Budget.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments