Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?

Individuals earning £60,000 have expressed a desire for the government to eliminate stamp duty in the upcoming Budget, highlighting their concerns about the financial burden of this tax. This sentiment reflects a broader call for tax reforms that could alleviate financial pressures on middle-income earners.

Ben Chu from BBC Verify visited Leeds to gauge public awareness regarding the size of the national debt, engaging with residents to understand their perceptions and knowledge on the topic.

FareShare Sussex & Surrey has reported that it provides food for approximately 28,500 individuals each week, indicating a significant rise in demand as the winter season approaches. The charity warns that this winter could be the most challenging yet for those facing food insecurity.

Rachel Reeves is expected to announce a downgrade in the UK's economic growth forecasts for the next five years during her upcoming budget presentation, attributing this revision to a lack of investment under previous Tory administrations. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has reportedly adjusted its growth predictions for each year up to 2030-31.

A metals recycling company has filed for liquidation, raising concerns about the future of its operations across the UK. The exact number of jobs at risk remains unclear as the company navigates this challenging financial situation.

Business owners have shared emotional testimonies during a Covid inquiry, detailing the distress of laying off staff as a direct consequence of the pandemic's impact on their businesses. Workers expressed their fears regarding job security amid these layoffs, highlighting the widespread anxiety felt across various sectors.

Britain's workforce is facing a crisis as employment among individuals aged 50 and over declines, driven by gaps in health, skills, and flexibility. This trend poses significant challenges as the country aims to promote longer working lives. Leaders are urged to address these issues to retain older workers in the labor market.

A recent report indicates that the UK is now the most expensive country in the world to develop nuclear power, with experts criticizing the overly complex regulatory framework that hinders progress. This finding has raised concerns about the future of nuclear energy projects in Britain.