PROPER CON TRICK

Tory tax and spending plans slammed by opposition for not tackling the cost of living crisis

THE Tories have been slammed after their Autumn Statement failed to "touch the sides" of the cost of living crisis.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt laid out the Government's tax and spending plans in Parliament, announcing a pre-election cut to National Insurance and rises in the state pension and Universal Credit.

But the SNP called his plans a "con trick", insisting he should have brought in a £400 energy bill rebate and mortgage interest tax relief, acted to reduce food prices and reversed cuts to public sector pay.

Labour said nothing in it comes close to changing the fact that working people are worse off under this Tory Government".

Hunt announced that National Insurance will be reduced from 12 percent to 10 percent for workers in January.

He also said the state pension will go up by 8.5 percent in line with average earnings, to £221 a week from April.

Benefits will also rise by 6.7 percent in April but the Government also plans to "clamp down" on claimants who fail to look for work.

Those who do not get a job within 18 months will be forced to take on work experience.

It was announced on Tuesday that the minimum wage will rise by £1.02 to £11.44 from April for over-21s, an increase of 9.8 percent.