Budget 2025: Reeves claims freezing tax thresholds in budget does not breach manifesto pledge – as it happened

Chancellor says she will not ‘get into semantics’ when questioned on issue after her statement

• At a glance: the key points from the budget

• How does freezing income tax thresholds affect you?

Paul Nowak, the TUC general secretary, has rejected the concerns raised by the Resolution Foundation (see 9.54am) about the rise in the minimum wage rates. Asked about the thinktank’s comments, Nowak told Times Radio:

I don’t accept those concerns ...

First of all, that recommendation is based on the Low Pay Commission, which brings together employers, unions, independent experts, they’re tasked with making a recommendation on the minimum wage, which balances getting money into people’s pockets and the impact on unemployment.

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