Mini-budget: When is it and what could be in it?

Tax cuts and measures to boost to the economy are set to be unveiled in a mini-budget on Friday.

It comes as the UK faces a cost of living crisis and the prospect of a recession.

The announcements will be made by new Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, who is in charge of the public finances.

The tax-cutting plans under consideration could cost at least £30bn.

NI was set to return to its old rate from April 2023 – to be replaced by a new Health and Social Care Levy at a rate of 1.25%. The levy will now not be introduced.

The NHS will still get the funding it was promised, but government is now expected to borrow the money rather than raise it from tax.

High earners will benefit most, as they pay the most NI. An NI cut won’t help pensioners or those on low income or benefits because they don’t pay the tax.

This tax is based on the annual profits that a company makes.

However, Ms Truss is set to cancel the rise.

These charges fund schemes like insulation and renewable energy.

The prime minister has promised to temporarily scrap the levies, saving households about £150 each.

A possible cut on the main tax on people’s earnings could also be on the cards.

Mr Kwarteng is expected to announce a welfare shake-up to “get Britain working again”.

This is set to include universal credit, a benefit payment paid to working-age people.

The mini-budget could also see an end to the cap on bankers’ bonuses. This was introduced across the EU in 2014 (when the UK was still a member) following the global financial crisis. Under the current rules, a banker’s bonus cannot be higher than their annual salary – unless shareholders agree.

When asked if she would be happy to see bankers getting bigger bonuses, Ms Truss said she wanted to see a growing economy.

The government may also announce the creation of “special investment zones”. Certain locations could be allowed to relax planning rules and reduce business taxes to encourage investment.

Critics, including Ms Truss’ Conservative leadership rival Rishi Sunak, argue immediate tax cuts will require the government to borrow more.

The money, plus interest, will eventually need to be paid back by taxpayers.

However, Ms Truss argues tax cuts will help the economy grow – bringing in more money which will cover the cost of the amount borrowed.

Major decisions about tax and spending are normally made twice a year – in an autumn Budget Statement and a Spring Statement.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) – which gives independent advice to the government – normally publishes its own analysis of these statements. It sets out the cost of new policies, how much tax will be raised and what it means for the economy.

However, the government is refusing to publish the OBR’s assessment alongside the mini-budget.

The Treasury said it “remain[s] committed to maintaining the usual two forecasts in this fiscal year, as is required”.

A full-scale Budget is expected later this year, but no date has been set.

What are your questions on the cost of living crisis? What would you like to know about the chancellor’s mini-budget? Email your questions to: [email protected].

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