Labour Accuses Conservatives of Unfunded Tax Cuts

Labour accuses the Conservatives of proposing unfunded tax cuts after Jeremy Hunt's comments on welfare savings. Labour argues these savings are already in forecasts, making the tax cuts unfunded. The Conservatives deny this, but the Institute for Fiscal Studies questions the feasibility of achieving the necessary savings.

Labour has accused the Conservative Party of proposing unfunded tax cuts, following comments by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt about manifesto promises on welfare cuts.

The Conservative manifesto's tax cuts were said to be funded by savings from a 'back to work' programme announced last year.

Labour claims these savings are already included in economic forecasts, thus rendering the tax cuts unfunded.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the Conservative Party deny this, asserting that their proposed welfare savings are new and not included in current government plans.

However, the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies casts doubt on the feasibility of achieving the required savings.

Government spending on health and disability-related benefits has significantly increased, with further rises expected, making the debate a crucial issue ahead of the general election.