‘Hunt scrambles to fund tax cuts ahead of March Budget’ – the full perspective
Most of Sunday’s newspapers report on the upcoming March Budget, set to be delivered on Wednesday.
The papers report on expectations for the Budget, with many speculating on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s desire to introduce a 2p cut across income tax and national insurance.
Many of the papers feature an image of Geri Halliwell and her husband Christian Horner attending the F1. He had recently been cleared of inappropriate conduct towards a female employee. But leaked messages following the conclusion of the investigation suggest there may be more to the story.
‘March Budget Expectations’
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt speaks to the Conservative-faithful Sunday Telegraph saying the latest economic forecast from the OBR “have gone against us.” Hunt suggests reducing the tax burden will be a “long path.” He repeats his call for cuts to civil service jobs, telling the paper they should be returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The Sunday Times writes similarly, suggesting the Chancellor and Prime Minister are spending the weekend trying to find the necessary savings for a 2p cut across income tax and national insurance. The paper says Hunt plans to launch a “£300 million tax raid” on second-home owners who rent out their homes to tourists. Hunt will argue the move will help tackle the housing shortage in coastal areas.
The Sunday Express predicts the reaction of the pensioners – a key base for the Tory party, income tax isn’t reduced. Pensioners are already exempt from national insurance.
The Observer leads with two former Treasury advisers, who say “tax cuts to stimulate a pre-election spending spree are the last thing the British economy needs” and warn the Chancellor against “sabotaging prospects for the next government”.
THE SUNDAY PAPERS – REVIEWED AND SUMMARISED
The Observer – Tax cuts will backfire, economists warn Hunt
The Observer’s front splash leads on a warning that pre-election cuts to tax and spending could “cost the country dear.” Two former advisors to the Treasury tell the paper that the Chancellor should focus on long-term measures to spur investment and growth instead of making decisions aimed at “sabotaging prospects for the next government”.
There have been signs of tensions between the Treasury and No 10 as the PM reportedly pushes harder for tax reductions, the paper adds.
The front page features an image of RAYE – the British singer who won big at the Brit Awards.
Sunday Mirror – Andrew faces fresh court bombshell
Sunday Mirror says new court documents revealing the full details of Prince Andrew’s lobbying of US authorities to accept Jeffrey Epstein’s plea deal over a sex offence are set to be made public.
The paper says testimony previously submitted to a grand jury contains details of attempts by the duke to lobby US authorities to accept a plea deal that allowed Epstein to avoid a federal sex trafficking charge in 2008.
The front page says Andrew will now face “new questions” over his association with Jeffrey Epstein.
Sunday Express – Cut tax or lose grey vote
Sunday Express says Conservatives have been warned they face a “furious backlash” from pensioners if they fail to cut income tax in this week’s budget.
The paper says the freeze in the personal allowance has meant the number of over-65s liable to pay income tax has almost doubled since the party came to power and that angry campaigners argue pensioners are being “ravaged by rampant inflation”.
The Sun on Sunday – Royals in crisis: Queen’s orf on holiday
The Sun on Sunday says the royals are “in crisis” as it emerged the Queen Camilla is taking a holiday. Camilla has carried out 13 official engagements since last month in addition to her own diary. She will be jetting off on a private flight tomorrow for a sunshine break overseas.
Royal expert Ingrid Seward last night said: “This will raise the question of who’s in charge at such a vital time and with so many key royals out of action.”
Geri Halliwell and her husband Christian Horner make the front page.
The Sunday Times – Chancellor in last-ditch fight to cut tax by 2p
The Sunday Times reports that the chancellor is “battling to find the money” to cut personal taxes by 2p in the budget.
The paper says Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has asked officials to launch a last-minute effort to find other tax rises or spending cuts to fund the move and is set to meet with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sunday night to make a final decision.
The front page also features an image of F1 Red Bull boss Horner and his wife Geri Halliwell following the leak of messages related to his internal investigation.
The Sunday Telegraph – Hunt goes to war on immoral Whitehall waste
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has told The Sunday Telegraph he is plotting a war on “immoral” public sector “waste” in this year’s budget.
Chancellor Hunt says he wants to fund tax cuts by reducing bureaucracy in the public sector and slashing tens of thousands of civil service jobs. “Public sector waste is immoral. It is taking money out of taxpayers’ pockets,” he is quoted as saying. He also admits that he will have less fiscal headroom than he had hoped for in the budget because the economic forecasts he received this week from the Office for Budget Responsibility have “gone against us”.