Critics warn the Budget imposes a “stealth tax” on hospitality, with rates bills rising as reliefs end and thresholds stay frozen. Pubs and restaurants face higher costs. Ministers say reforms fund services and modernise the system, while opponents claim the public were misled about the finances.

Ministers have abandoned the pledge to give workers a day-one right to claim unfair dismissal, keeping a qualifying period. Aimed at appeasing business, the move has triggered a backlash from Labour MPs and unions, leaving the PM accused of watering down promised workplace protections.

Reeves’s Budget sets out £30bn in tax rises and record welfare spending. Income tax thresholds stay frozen, pushing about one in four workers into the 40% band. A new annual surcharge will apply to homes over £2m from 2028, and extra revenue is sought from pension contributions. OBR flags stagnant pay.

Plans would reserve jury trials for only the gravest offences, such as murder, manslaughter and serious sexual assault. A new intermediate court, with cases heard by a judge and possibly magistrates, would handle others to reduce Crown Court backlogs, prompting debate on defendants’ rights.