NewsUKUK PoliticsChancellor of the Exchequer will unveil his plans for the UK economy as part of his Spring Budget announcement at 12.30pm after PMQs
What to expect from Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget
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Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is delivering his Spring Budget announcement in front of the House of Commons.
It comes as the energy price guarantee will be extended for a further three months from April to June at its current level,the Treasury confirmed.
The chancellor will cancel the planned £500 hike in average energy bills which was due to come into force next month.
This move would see bills for the average household staying at around £2,500, instead of going up to £3,000 as was previously announced.
Mr Hunt, who included the measure in his Budget being unveiled today, said: “High energy bills are one of the biggest worries for families, which is why we’re maintaining the energy price guarantee at its current level.
The chancellor is also set to unveil key pension and childcare benefit changes in his new financial plan as he is expected to announce a £4bn expansion of free childcare for one- and two-year-olds.
The plan is set to include 30 hours a week of childcare for parents in England with children in that age group.
1678884028Hunt says he listened to energy advice from Martin Lewis Jeremy Hunt has said he listened to advice from Martin Lewis when he decided to extend the energy price guarantee for a further three months.
Speaking of the Office for Budget Responsibility, he said: “They forecast we will meet the Prime Minister’s priorities to halve inflation, reduce debt and get the economy growing. We are following the plan and the plan is working.”Mr Hunt highlighted cost-of-living support, adding: “Today, we deliver the next part of our plan. A Budget for growth.
“Not just the growth that comes when you emerge from a downturn, but long-term, sustainable, healthy growth that pays for our NHS and schools, finds jobs for young people, and provides a safety net for older people all whilst making our country one of the most prosperous in the world. Prosperity with a purpose.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:40
1678883910Live: Jeremy Hunt presents Government’s 2023 Budget as energy bill support extendedMaryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:38
1678883882Chancellor promises ‘growth’ for UK economy in Spring BudgetThe Chancellor summarised his plans to deliver a growth for the UK economy.
Jeremy Hunt said: “I deliver that today by removing obstacles that stop businesses investing; by tackling labour shortages that stop them recruiting; by breaking down barriers that stop people working; and by harnessing British ingenuity to make us a science and technology superpower.”
(Parliament TV)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:38
1678883809UK will not enter a ‘technical recession’ this yearThe UK will not enter a “technical recession” this year, Jeremy Hunt told the Commons.
The Chancellor said: “We remain vigilant, and will not hesitate to take whatever steps are necessary for economic stability. Today the Office for Budget Responsibility forecast that because of changing international factors and the measures I take, the UK will not now enter a technical recession this year.
“They forecast we will meet the Prime Minister’s priorities to halve inflation, reduce debt and get the economy growing. We are following the plan and the plan is working. But that’s not all we’ve done.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:36
1678883678Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers BudgetChancellor Jeremy Hunt is delivering his first Spring Budget, which he has called a “Budget for growth”.
(Parliament TV)
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:34
1678883457Watch live: Rishi Sunak says Tories committed to helping people tackle cost of livingPMQs: Rishi Sunak says Tories committed to helping people tackle cost of living
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:30
1678883424PM comments on ongoing HS2 investmentSpeaking on HS2, the PM said: “We are actually delivering the biggest rail investment since the Victorian era.”
“The investment going into the north is 30 per cent higher every single year under this Conservative government.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:30
1678883329Caroline Lucas says PM’s reply to modern slavery question is ‘shockingly negligent’Green MP Caroline Lucas has said the PM’s response to Jess Philips MP’s question on the Modern Slavery Act was “shockingly negligent”.
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:28
1678883121PM told by Commons speaker he has to answer questions at PMQsRishi Sunak was told by the Commons speaker he did have to answer the questions at PMQs, Kate Devlin writes.
He appeared to sit down after a rising following a question by London Tory MP Nickie Aiken.
But he was told by the Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said: “Take it from the chair, please answer.”
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:25
1678882920Watch: Keir Starmer claims BBC chairman is ‘mentor’ to the PMSir Keir Starmer raised concerns at the appointment of BBC chairman, Richard Sharp, who he claimed is a “mentor’’ to the PM.
Watch clip here:
Maryam Zakir-Hussain15 March 2023 12:22
