RACHEL Reeves has announced tax rises amounting to £26 billion as she battles a downgrade in forecast economic growth.

More than 1.7 million people will face paying more income tax as she froze thresholds, meaning people will be dragged into paying the tax for the first time or shifted into higher bands as earnings increase.

The measures contribute to a tax burden that will rise to an “all-time high” in 2030/31.

Some announcements will not affect taxpayers in Scotland, however, it may force the Scottish Government to take similar measures given that higher taxes at a UK level cut funding for Holyrood .

We spoke to representatives of pro-independence parties and groups to hear their reactions to this year's UK Budget.

Common Weal

CRAIG Dalzell, the head of policy and research

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