Chancellor’s plans slammed

PLANS unveiled by the Chancellor to drive economic growth will instead “embed unfairness” across the country, Wales’ Finance Minister has said.

Kwasi Kwarteng announced his mini-budget in the House of Commons last week, revealing he would be scrapping the top rate of income tax and reducing the basic rate to 19p in the pound.

The Welsh Government criticised the plans, with Rebecca Evans MS saying the UK Government was “prioritising funding for tax cuts for the rich” instead of helping struggling households.

“[The] announcements show the UK Government is heading in a deeply worrying direction, with misplaced priorities leading to a regressive statement that will embed unfairness across the United Kingdom,” Ms Evans said.

“Instead of delivering meaningful, targeted support to those who need help the most, the Chancellor is prioritising funding for tax cuts for the rich, unlimited bonuses for bankers and protecting the profits of big energy companies.”