Pensioners are bracing for a tighter financial future, as the latest budget announcements have earmarked them as the ‘biggest losers’, facing an £8 billion setback. This comes as economists and think-tanks reveal the deep cuts that the elderly population will endure, despite tax breaks aimed at benefiting the working class.
A Closer Look at the Financial Fallout
The recent budget, masterminded by Jeremy Hunt, was designed with a focus on workers, offering a slight relief by cutting 2p off National Insurance contributions—a benefit that does not extend to pensioners. However, it’s the maintenance of the freeze on income tax thresholds that’s causing a stir among the elderly and higher earners.
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and the Resolution Foundation, two leading think-tanks, these “stealth taxes” will significantly diminish the financial well-being of the elderly by the end of this Parliament. The IFS forecasts that most pensioners will find themselves £650 poorer each year by 2027, with those in the higher tax brackets facing a loss exceeding £3,000 annually.
Paul Johnson, the director of IFS, emphasised the disparity this budget creates: “While many workers will see their pockets lined further as a result of tax changes, pensioners will be the substantial net losers.” This statement underscores the fact that a majority of pensioners, over 60%, are now within the income tax paying bracket, feeling the brunt of these financial adjustments.
The Generational Divide
The budget’s impact resonates differently across various age groups, widening the financial gap between the younger and older generations. The Resolution Foundation highlighted a stark contrast: households led by individuals aged between 18 and 45 are expected to gain an average of £590, whereas those aged 66 and over will lose around £770 on average.
Torsten Bell, the chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, pointed out the volatile nature of recent tax policymaking, which has seen rapid swings between increases and cuts. “Middle earners have fared relatively well, but those earning below £26,000 or over £60,000, especially pensioners, face significant losses,” Bell explained, shedding light on the unequal distribution of financial pain and gain.
Child Benefit Reforms in Limbo
The budget also touched upon the sensitive subject of child benefit reforms, with the IFS expressing skepticism over the government’s ability to assess families based on household income rather than individual earnings. This skepticism casts doubt on future reforms aimed at addressing the imbalance in the current system, which penalises families unevenly based on parental earnings.
Broader Economic Challenges Ahead
Beyond immediate tax concerns, the IFS warned of the looming challenges in reducing debt, marking the next Parliament as potentially the most difficult period for fiscal consolidation in eighty years. This cautionary note was echoed by Citigroup, which expressed concerns over the UK’s fiscal mandate, suggesting a possible £60 billion shortfall in meeting its objectives.
The TaxPayers’ Alliance also contributed to the chorus of warnings, pointing out the role of “gold-plated” public sector pensions in the surging national debt—a figure expected to hit £12.1 trillion by 2024-25, marking a 25% increase from 2021.
Political Repercussions
The decision to prioritise National Insurance cuts over income tax relief has not gone without its critics, even within the Conservative Party. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman critiqued the move for diminishing the value of the triple lock on pensions, a sentiment echoed by Labour’s work and pensions spokesperson Liz Kendall, who voiced the disappointment felt by pensioners across the UK.
As the dust settles on this year’s budget, the message is clear: while workers may find some solace in minor tax cuts, the elderly population is set to bear the brunt of fiscal tightening, prompting a reevaluation of the balance between immediate relief for workers and the long-term financial security of pensioners.