Chancellor John Healey is set to deliver his first Budget today, outlining tax and spending plans for Andy Burnham's government. The announcement comes as households across Merseyside and the rest of Britain look to the government for help with the cost of living ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter.
Budget announcement today
Mr Healey will rise in the House of Commons at lunchtime to set out his economic strategy. He was in Liverpool for the Labour Party Conference last month, where he told the ECHO he would do all he can to protect people and businesses from economic headwinds.
Speaking ahead of his Budget speech, Mr Healey said: "Breathing space for today and fresh hope for the future. That's what today's Budget will deliver."
Expected measures
The announcement is expected to include a rise in the minimum wage for people aged over 21, a doubling of funding for supporting rough sleepers, and an end to the earnings 'cliff edge' for unpaid carers.
More details are also expected on how money, resources and power will be pushed out of Westminster and into places like the Liverpool City Region. The Prime Minister has already pledged that the Budget will set out how the government will fully fund its defence commitments.
What remains unknown
A significant amount about today's announcement remains unknown, with further details and analysis expected as the day progresses.
