Budget 2027 phone in
Summary
Ministers Simon Harris and Jack Chambers discuss the new budget, addressing pensioner concerns over the living alone allowance and childcare affordability for families outside core funding. They also address housing issues, explaining why second-time buyers do not qualify for first-time buyer grants, and defend increased vape duties as a public health measure. The episode covers inheritance tax thresholds, student grants for those studying in Northern Ireland, and the retention of the USC as a critical revenue source.
Topics discussed
Introduction and caller Noel on pension income
Debate on living alone allowance and fuel allowance changes
Childcare costs, supply, and tax relief for childminders
Housing grants for second-hand and fixer-upper buyers
Vape duty increases and public health concerns
Budget measures for single-income households
Inheritance tax thresholds and reform
Student grants for cross-border education
Fuel allowance eligibility for retired civil servants
Childcare provider funding and staff training grants
Childcare wage costs and core funding adequacy
Universal Social Charge (USC) and income tax changes
Social welfare benefits for the self-employed
Taxation on overtime and higher rate thresholds
Supports for disability allowance recipients
Fuel allowance and adult children in education
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure and costs
Means testing for working family payment
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