On Wednesday, the Chancellor will reveal the Labour Party’s Autumn Budget – but should she guarantee free passes and prescriptions for pensioners? Vote now.
Rachel Reeves is preparing to present Labour’s first Budget in 14 years (Image: Getty)
Britons are bracing for the first Labour Budget in 14 years on Wednesday, with top politicians warning it will be “difficult”.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned of “difficult and big choices”, saying on Sky News’s Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that the Government “can’t fix 14 years in one Budget”.
Wednesday’s Autumn Budget is touted to be a make-or-break moment for the new Government, with Sir Keir Starmer saying it will “define the way in which we will approach the economy”.
So far, there has been concern over the axing winter fuel payments for 10million pensioners, as well as the decision to raise the bus fare cap from £2 to £3.
That was described as “yet another slap in the face” for pensioners.
But should Chancellor Rachel Reeves look to guarantee free bus passes and prescriptions for pensioners?
There are no plans to axe these benefits, but with winter fuel cuts many are worried pensioners will face further hardship.
The Prime Minister was questioned on bus passes and prescriptions as he travelled to Samoa last week for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, saying he wants “to make sure that pensioners are properly protected”.
Working people are also expected to be affected in tomorrow’s announcement, with some workers potentially taking a hit to their take-home pay.
If you are worried about the upcoming Budget, there are some steps you can take to protect your money. Personal finance editor Harvey Jones has laid these out here.
The Autumn Budget will take place on Wednesday, October 30 at 12.30pm.