A former England striker says he “hates” a children’s TV clown after years of watching with his kids, joking that the ordeal helped prompt his decision to have a vasectomy after four children.
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.
New polling shows Reeves’s Budget is unpopular overall, even as voters back measures like higher gambling taxes, a rail fare freeze and a minimum wage rise. Most expect to be poorer afterwards, and opinion is split on ending the two‑child benefits cap.
Rachel Reeves faces intense pressure after being accused of misleading the public about a £30bn fiscal hole used to justify tax rises. The OBR is said to have told her no such gap existed. Critics demand her resignation; allies insist the Budget case remains sound.
A TV presenter describes the tough months after a split from her long-term partner. She paused work and sought counselling while grieving her mum. Now she says she’s recovering, looking ahead with optimism and focusing on work and wellbeing.
The chancellor said higher taxes on the wealthy are needed to repair underfunded public services and sustain investment in schools, hospitals and infrastructure. She rejected calls for austerity after weaker growth forecasts and defended protecting capital spending to boost productivity.
Owners of high-value homes are trimming asking prices to slip just below new thresholds dubbed a “mansion tax” from the Budget. Agents say the practice is widespread and will cut stamp duty receipts, challenging Treasury forecasts, though some analysts expect the overall impact to be modest.
Government documents indicate 2.2m pensioners will lose winter fuel payments after the Budget, around 200,000 more than first stated. Eligibility is being tightened by income, cutting payments of up to £300 for many. Ministers say the change targets help; opponents call it unfair to retirees.
The Chancellor faces calls to resign after the fiscal watchdog reportedly told ministers months ago there was no gap in the public finances. Critics say she misled voters to justify tax rises in the Budget. Allies argue the measures fund priorities and stability; she rejects claims.
Rachel Reeves faces claims she exaggerated a “black hole” to justify £26bn in tax rises, despite the OBR advising there was no deficit and a £4.2bn surplus. Critics, including Kemi Badenoch, are calling for her to be sacked.