‘Mortified’ OBR chair hopes inquiry into budget leak will report next week

Arne Slot, the head coach of Liverpool, has expressed his determination to continue leading the team despite a challenging period marked by a series of defeats, including a recent 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Following a meeting with sporting director Richard Hughes, Slot emphasized that he still has the backing of the club's hierarchy.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a budget that includes a £26 billion tax increase and the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, aiming to address the UK's cost of living crisis. However, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned that this strategy may be 'fiscal fiction', as it delays the financial impact until just before the next general election in 2029.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has presented the UK Budget for 2025, which includes a £26 billion tax increase and increased welfare spending aimed at addressing the ongoing cost of living crisis. This budget is a significant move for the Labour government as it seeks to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of citizens facing economic challenges.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced the removal of tax breaks on insurance and advance payments for high-end Motability cars as part of the recent UK budget. This decision has sparked concerns among users of the Motability scheme, who feel judged for their vehicle choices amidst rising living costs.

The National Union of Students (NUS) has raised concerns over a three-year freeze on the student loan repayment threshold, set to remain at £29,385 starting April 2027. This decision could force graduates in low-paid jobs to repay their loans sooner, potentially impacting their ability to manage essential living costs such as food and rent.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a budget that includes a £26 billion tax increase and the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, which she described as a long-standing ambition. Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the budget, asserting that it adheres to the Labour Party's manifesto commitments despite the significant tax rises aimed at addressing the UK's cost of living crisis.

The government has announced that plans to absorb council Send debts will not negatively impact school budgets, emphasizing that the Office for Budget Responsibility's projections do not account for forthcoming reforms. This statement aims to reassure stakeholders about the financial stability of educational institutions amidst ongoing fiscal adjustments.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has called in a cyber expert to investigate a premature release of Budget analysis documents, which disrupted Chancellor Rachel Reeves's planned statement. Journalists accessed the sensitive information ahead of the official announcement, leading to a chaotic situation for the Labour government.