The Mirror has issued a direct plea to Chancellor John Healey ahead of the Budget, urging him to deliver a "breathing space" Budget with fairness at its heart. The message, signed by Business and Consumer Editor Graham Hiscott and Money Editor Levi Winchester, calls for choices that "deliver a meaningful difference" for households across the country.
The plea welcomes measures already announced by the Labour government, including the £2 bus fare cap and the temporary removal of VAT from electricity bills. It also notes the economy is performing better than many had forecast, but stresses that "hope – a word PM Andy Burnham is keen to repeat under his leadership – doesn't pay the bills."
Energy Bills and Fuel Duty Under Scrutiny
The most pressing concern highlighted is the cost of energy, with predictions that bills could soar by 27% to almost £2,200 in January. The article warns that millions won't be able to afford this, with many facing cold homes or going hungry to pay for heating. It argues that while universal help isn't an option given public finances, targeted help such as hiking the Warm Home Discount is possible.
Petrol and diesel prices are also flagged as a burden on household budgets. The piece advises the Chancellor to avoid an increase in fuel duty, noting he "can't control deluded Donald Trump's war in the Middle East" but can avoid the tax rise.
Pensioner Tax Thresholds and Allowance Freeze
Encouragement is given to reports of increasing the tax-free personal allowance to £13,036 a year from next April for low-income pensioners, due to the expected rise in the state pension. However, the article stresses this doesn't address other pensioners tipped over the tax threshold by small amounts of additional income, calling for detail on a promised solution.
The freezing of income tax thresholds since 2021 is described as having "hit workers hard." The Institute for Fiscal Studies is cited, noting that if the personal allowance had risen with inflation, it would now stand at £16,070 – £3,500 higher than its actual level. The plea asks for a promise not to extend the freeze beyond the current 2031 date, and also calls for an end to the freeze on Local Housing Allowance rates given the jump in rents.
Fair Taxation and Growth Measures
The article acknowledges these measures cost money and could lead to tax hikes, stressing that "those with the broadest shoulders pay their fair share." Banks are mentioned as potentially in the line of fire, but the plea insists lenders must not pass costs on through worse rates for customers, given their "eye-watering profits."
Finally, the Budget is urged to "fan the embers of economic growth" by encouraging firms to hire and train workers, from the near one million young Neets (Not in Education, Employment or Training) to older people at risk of being overlooked. The piece concludes by referencing the more than four million kids living in grinding poverty and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation's warning that 7.4 million low-income families are unable to afford essential items, asking the Chancellor to "choose wisely."
