7 h. ago Self employed to face higher fines for paying late tax returns

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the new measure during the Spring Statement.

Economics

8 h. ago ‘Was this new age austerity always coming?’ Your spring statement questions answered by Andrew Grice

In this exclusive Q&A session, The Independent’s political commentator Andrew Grice tackles welfare cuts, taxation, and the economic challenges facing the UK

Politics

24 h. ago What Trump's trade war means for YOU: As tariffs throw markets into turmoil, what investors should do

The ink was barely dry on Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement before her plans to balance the nation's books were effectively blown out of the water.

Economics

27 h. ago Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement: Experts react to controversial changes – 'she'll need more'

The spring statement, worsening economy and Donald Trump's latest trade tariffs on cars has led to renewed speculation about more tax rises to come and a further hit to hard-up households

Politics

31 h. ago Wealthy and pensioners at risk of new tax raid in autumn Budget, experts warn

Labour chancellor has stopped short of ruling out further tax rises or spending cuts at the Budget

Events

31 h. ago What Trump's trade war means for YOU: As the President's tariffs throw markets into turmoil, read our expert's advice on what British investors should do to protect themselves

The ink was barely dry on Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement before her plans to balance the nation's books were effectively blown out of the water.

Economics

31 h. ago ‘Good chance’ Reeves will have to raise taxes in autumn budget, thinktank says – UK politics live

Institute for Fiscal Studies also warns Reeves over her focus on sticking with fiscal rules regardless of real world eventsIn an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, said she would not accept free tickets for concerts again in the future.Asked about the controversy about her decision to accept two corporate tickets for a Sabrina Carpenter concert at the O2, she repeated the line that she used at her press conference yesterday – that a family member wanted to attend the concert (presumably one of her children, but she did not say that), and that she accepted tickets for a corporate box because security concerns meant it was not deemed safe for her to get normal tickets for the auditorium.I’m just saying I wouldn’t do it again. I felt I was doing the right thing. But I do understand perceptions.I am absolutely certain that our reforms, instead of pushing people into poverty, are going to get people into work.And we know that if you move from welfar...

Politics

32 h. ago The Chancellor is hopelessly boxed in and higher taxes are sadly inevitable

Big changes in the world order require big changes in fiscal policy - something is going to have to give

Politics

32 h. ago Voices: Independent readers react to Rachel Reeves’ spring statement – from ‘out of touch’ to ‘genuine poverty’

The chancellor’s spring statement sparked fierce criticism from readers, who accused her of reviving austerity by targeting the poor while failing to prioritise improving living standards, tax reform, and sustainable economic growth

Politics

34 h. ago Three major takeaways from Spring Statement explained – including Universal Credit change

Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement could have a major effect on Brits, with many wondering what the changes announced on Wednesday (March 26) will mean for them going forward

Politics

34 h. ago Rachel Reeves 'certain' benefits cuts won't push people into hardship amid growing Labour unrest

The Chancellor was also forced to defend Treasury minister Darren Jones who compared the benefits cuts to taking pocket money away from his children

Politics

34 h. ago Reeves on a double knife edge as she could be forced to order ‘blockbuster’ tax rises, say experts

Critics said her future as chancellor is under threat as a result of errors she has made since taking charge of the economy last year

Politics

35 h. ago Reeves denies welfare cuts will increase poverty amid warning poorest set to be £500 a year worse off – UK politics live

The Resolution Foundation says the UK’s poorest will be £500 a year worse off by the end of the parliament due to the spring statementIn an interview with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, said she would not accept free tickets for concerts again in the future.Asked about the controversy about her decision to accept two corporate tickets for a Sabrina Carpenter concert at the O2, she repeated the line that she used at her press conference yesterday – that a family member wanted to attend the concert (presumably one of her children, but she did not say that), and that she accepted tickets for a corporate box because security concerns meant it was not deemed safe for her to get normal tickets for the auditorium.I’m just saying I wouldn’t do it again. I felt I was doing the right thing. But I do understand perceptions.I am absolutely certain that our reforms, instead of pushing people into poverty, are going to get people into work.And we know that if you move ...

Events

35 h. ago Spring statement latest: Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out tax rises in autumn budget

Chancellor faces speculation she will be forced to find more money to balance the books

Economics

35 h. ago Rachel Reeves defends benefit cuts and denies further tax rises likely in autumn – UK politics live

Chancellor confirmed welfare cuts of £4.8bn in spring statement, but insisted the priority was to restore stability to the public finances Nick Robinson is interviewing Rachel Reeves on the Today programme now.Q: You promised just one budget a year, but yesterday you had to announce drastic cuts. What’s gone wrong?We’re not at the moment at a position where we want to do anything to escalate these trade wars.Trade wars are no good for anyone. It will end up with higher prices for consumers, pushing up inflation after we’ve worked so hard to get a grip of inflation, and at the same time will make it harder for British companies to export. Continue reading...

Politics

37 h. ago Families £500 worse off; 250,000 more in poverty; 800,000 see PIP cut

An independent analysis has shown the impact of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement as 3million on incapacity benefits hit

Economics

37 h. ago Families £500 worse off; 250,000 more in poverty; 800,000 see PIP cut, think tank estimates

An independent analysis has shown the impact of Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement as 3million on incapacity benefits hit

Economics

42 h. ago ANDREW NEIL: How Rachel Reeves led to tax rises and MUCH worse after Spring Statement

A government that was elected last July with a core mission to boost Britain's economy was forced to announce the official Whitehall number cruncher had slashed its growth forecast in half.

Politics

44 h. ago Backbench revolt grows over 'cruel' benefit cuts that could push families of 50,000 more children into poverty

MPs lined up to round on Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the Commons after her Spring Statement.

Society

47 h. ago Tax rise warning for millions as Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out Autumn Budget raid after Spring Statement

The Chancellor said to be at the ‘mercy of events’ by not building up a bigger fiscal cushion

Events