Spring Statement – No more tax rises but austerity cuts on the way 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil her Spring Statement next week just a week after massive backlash to the government’s plans to overhaul the welfare system. 

Spring Statement – No more tax rises but austerity cuts on the way 

The papers have been given a preview of the Spring Statement and they report there will be no more tax rises but austerity cuts on the way – the heavy cuts to public spending and benefits are to close the budget deficit.

It’s not gone down well with the left-leaning media – which leads with the preview on their front pages. It’s received a warmer reception from the traditional right-leaning media, which has largely left the story off their front pages. 

Biggest cuts since austerity era as Reeves tries to plug budget deficit

Explainer – The headline frames the situation negatively, emphasising severity rather than using a neutral term like “spending reductions.” Using the term “austerity era” frames the cuts in the harshest light. 

• Key Takeaway – Labour MPs uneasy as chancellor prepares even deeper reductions that economists say will harm key services

The Guardian says the chancellor will announce the biggest spending cuts since austerity after ruling out tax rises to close the budget deficit. She will tell MPs next Wednesday that she intends to cut Whitehall budgets by billions of pounds more than expected. Economists say the cuts will harm key public services, despite Labour’s promises to undo years of decline under the Conservatives, the paper adds. 

No new tax hikes next week – but future benefit cuts now likely

Explainer – The headline starts with a reassuring tone but then introduces fear and concern. This contrast can influence readers to focus on the negative implications rather than the temporary relief.

• Key Takeaway – Rachel Reeves will not raise taxes in her Spring Statement on Wednesday. The i Paper understands, but is instead lining up further heavy cuts to public spending and benefits.

The i newspaper says Rachel Reeves will restrict spending on benefits and Whitehall departments rather than raising taxes to balance the public finances. The paper says Labour MPs have warned ministers that a rebellion is still brewing over Liz Kendall’s plan to save £5bn a year on disability and welfare payments amid concerns that the most vulnerable will be pushed further into poverty. 

Starmer won’t repeat pledge to unfreeze income tax thresholds

Explainer –  The headline focuses only on what won’t be done framing it as a failure or avoidance. Whilst not wildly biased, it lacks neutrality. 

• Key Takeaway – Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of “plotting stealth taxes”

CITY AM reports on yesterday’s PMQs where the prime minister was pushed to repeat his chancellor’s earlier promise to unfreeze income tax thresholds. His failure to do so has led to claims the prime minister is “plotting stealth taxes”.