Reeves' stealth taxes hammering' workers while pensioners better off'

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"Rachel Reeves' decision to drag millions more people into paying higher rates of tax will hammer workers, while pensioners and those on benefits will see their incomes increase, a new analysis has found. In the Budget, the chancellor controversially froze the income tax and national insurance thresholds until 2031, meaning more staff will be pushed into paying higher taxes as their wages increase through inflation. At the time, she said she was asking everyone to make a contribution to fund public services and investment"

On-the-ground reporting covers reproductive rights, climate change, Big Tech and investigations into fundraising, funded by donations rather than paywalls. The Independent emphasizes free access to journalism and sends reporters to gather facts. The Budget froze income tax and national insurance thresholds until 2031, which will push more workers into higher tax brackets as wages rise with inflation. A Centre for Policy Studies analysis found an employee currently earning 50,000 would be 505 worse off in real terms by 2030-31 despite a salary increase of more than 6,000. Pensioners and some benefit recipients would see income gains due to the triple lock and universal credit changes.

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