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Political reporter Kate Whannel wrote about a recent speech by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, where he discussed the party’s plans to support more generous tax breaks for married individuals and eliminate the two-child benefit limit. In his address in central London, Farage emphasized his desire to ease the financial burdens on lower-paid workers by lifting the benefit cap with the intention of making life easier for struggling families. Additionally, he pledged to reverse the government’s decision to withdraw winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners if Reform UK were to come into power.
Farage’s remarks were met with criticism from Labour Party chairwoman Ellie Reeves, who accused him of making unrealistic promises that could have negative consequences similar to those experienced during Liz Truss’s tenure. The timing of Farage’s intervention coincides with growing pressure on the prime minister from his own party members concerning government spending choices, particularly the reduction of disability benefits. Meanwhile, some Labour MPs are advocating for the removal of the two-child benefit cap, which was implemented to prevent most families from receiving means-tested benefits for additional children born after April 2017.
In his expansive speech, Farage also highlighted Reform UK’s aim to raise the income threshold at which individuals start paying income tax to £20,000, which he asserted could be financed through various proposed cost-cutting measures. The party leader contended that eliminating the two-child benefit cap, estimated to cost £3.5 billion, would not be a cure-all solution but could provide much-needed relief to families. Additionally, he advocated for enhancing tax breaks for married couples, asserting that reinforcing the institution of marriage could contribute to better outcomes for children.
However, Stuart Adam, a senior economist at the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of Reform UK’s ambitious tax proposals, which could potentially cost the government billions annually without a clear funding source. Despite these uncertainties, Farage stated that the party would address key issues like the triple lock policy and abortion limits before the next election. Reform UK’s recent electoral successes have underscored its growing influence and appeal to voters disillusioned with the major political parties, as evidenced by their significant gains in several key races across the country
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