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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Phillip Inman

Fiscal tussle: who will win the battle to put up taxes the least?

HM Treasury signage in Whitehall London
Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has pledged not to increase income tax, national insurance or VAT rates, matching Jeremy Hunt’s promise. Photograph: Alex Segre/Alamy

The two main political parties are in a bidding war over which can promise to increase taxes the least. Each accuses the other of harbouring a desire to push up taxes to support a growing list of spending pledges.

The Conservatives say there is a £38.5bn funding gap in Labour’s spending promises over the next five years and that to cover it, “Labour will increase your taxes by £2,094”. Labour claim unfunded Tory spending pledges add up to £71bn, or 2% of GDP.

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