Editorial: The Guardian

• Jeremy Hunt insists that his austerity policies are working when in reality they’re not.
• The chancellor’s intention is to raise taxes to their highest level since 1948, predominantly affecting 7 million people that will pay tax for the first time or join the higher tax band.
• Cuts are impacting many frontline services, and the real-terms spending on non-NHS services is projected to be £17bn lower by the end of the decade.
• Little attention was given to neglected parts of the country in Hunt's leveling up policy, instead focusing more on wealthy areas.
• Instead of investing in tackling poverty, in an ageing society, and in a green transition, the government plans to borrow more and spend less.
• Starmer criticized Tories for filching Labour policies on dentistry, the cost of living, and taxing non-domiciled individuals.

Conclusion: A shift in British politics is needed, where the commitment is to high and stable public investment focused on voters' needs. Otherwise, households will be worse off on average.

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