Welfare Spending

2 articles

Dec 2, 2025 • via Sky News

Starmer Quotes £16 Billion OBR Hit, Skips Net £5-6 Billion Tally

Productivity review offset by wages, yet welfare U-turns and headroom hikes forced £26bn tax rises

Keir Starmer blamed a £16bn OBR productivity hit for tax hikes, omitting offsets that cut the net impact to £5-6bn. Actual drivers: welfare reversals and doubled fiscal headroom, revealing choice over necessity.

Nov 30, 2025 • via The Telegraph

Reeves Invented a £30 Billion Shortfall

Inflation surplus funds £16bn benefits surge amid manifesto breach

Rachel Reeves cited a non-existent black hole for £26bn tax hikes, ignoring inflation revenues to boost welfare to 25% of budget. This inverts incentives, drives young emigration, and locks in high-tax stagnation.