We raised taxes to fix Tory mess ...We won't need to do that again

DEFIANT Rachel Reeves has told businesses she is standing firm on tax hikes but insisted people will feel better off under her plans.

-  LIZZY BUCHAN

The Chancellor said that now her Budget had made plans for £40billion a year in rises to fund the NHS and other public services, such an extreme move would not be repeated.

Businesses are expected to bear the brunt of the increases, including one to employer's national insurance contributions from April.

Some retailers and hospitality chiefs warned of job losses or even closures as they also grapple with increases to the minimum wage and business rates.