Who would be hit by the new tax rises being explored by the chancellor?

Analysis: Briefings to newspapers suggest that the ‘better off’ would be affected by the specific tax increases the Treasury is considering. But is that true? Ben Chu investigates

Nothing has been briefed out about possible increases in income tax, National Insurance, or Valued Added Tax (Reuters)

It’s time to be “honest” with the public about the tax rises that will need to come in the wake of this economic crisis, according to the chancellor of the exchequer.

The fact that Rishi Sunak was relaying this message in private to Conservative MPs rather than the public rather undermined the moral force of the argument.

It’s also far from clear that this is an appropriate time to be bringing up the topic of tax rises. The economy remains below its pre-crisis level as it struggles out of the biggest slump in modern history. This is a time for fiscal stimulus, not fiscal consolidation.