Out of ideas and out of road

Starmer blast as Hunt's NI cut hit by tax hikes | Conservative con trick leaves us £870 poorer

- JOHN STEVENS, ASHLEY COWBURN and LIZZY BUCHAN

JEREMY Hunt was yesterday accused of trying to con voters with tax cuts after a dismal Budget that will leave people worse off and the country stagnating.

The Chancellor is taking 2p off National Insurance from next month in a gimmick inspired by the Tories' dismal poll ratings and one many fear will be paid for by plundering cash from already crippled public services.

Three-quarters of people in a snap poll by Savanta said the Budget will not be enough to help them deal with the rising cost of living.

And Keir Starmer accused Mr Hunt of "giving with one hand and taking even more with the other" as he claimed families will be on average £870 poorer due to being dragged into higher tax brackets and council tax rises.