The health secretary cautioned that there will be tough decisions to make in the upcoming budget, refusing to rule out the possibility of freezing tax thresholds. Wes Streeting emphasized on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips program that the government cannot address 14 years of issues in just one budget, and there will be numerous difficult choices that need to be made. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to extend the freeze on income tax thresholds until 2030, dragging hundreds of thousands of people into higher tax brackets. Mr. Streeting hinted at the government’s intention to freeze these thresholds, stating that tough decisions are necessary to stabilize the country’s foundations for a better future. The cabinet is facing pressure to find £40bn through tax increases and spending cuts in the upcoming budget on 30 October. Despite previously opposing freezing income tax thresholds, Mr. Streeting clarified that he would not vote against any measures in the chancellor’s budget. Labour previously criticized the freeze as a “stealth tax on working people” but the health secretary assured that the government will keep its promise not to increase income tax, national insurance, or VAT for working people. The chancellor’s plan to potentially raise national insurance for employers has also sparked criticism, with Mr. Streeting emphasizing the importance of delivering on manifesto promises within budget constraints. The NHS budget has already been finalized by the chancellor, indicating the tough decisions that lie ahead for various government departments in agreeing on spending cuts.
