The pension changes clearly benefit the better off - but it is a solution to senior doctors in particular choosing part time or early retirement. That some people earn more than others may be regarded by some as unpalatable - but it happens and get used to it.
Much of the budget benefits all - not just the wealthy:
- childcare
- fixing personal allowance levels - higher paid will suffer 40% tax on higher earnings.
- energy cap benefits all.
- pre-payment meter pricing benefits mainly the poorest - not many millionaires pre-pay!
. no increase in fuel duties may benefit all with cars - less for the wealthy who can afford EVs
Objectively - it was a sensible and fair budget. No major giveaways aside from childcare. No disproportionate benefit to the better off.
I thought Starmers response was uninspiring - empty, predictable criticism with little positive or innovative alternative ideas. He is a John Major Spitting Image category of politician - decent, unimaginative and utterly boring inn shades of grey.
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