Tax hikes vital to meet govt spending promises, says IFS

Hope William-Smith
clock • 2 min read

Taxes will have to increase after the March Budget if the government plans to honour the spending plans in outlined last year, the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) has warned.

This comes as chancellor Rishi Sunak - who replaced Sajid Javid on 13 February - finalises policy proposals ahead of delivering his first Budget after just 27 days in office. The IFS has labelled Sunak's Budget as "the most significant fiscal event in years" and said the new government would struggle to deliver on its promises without hiking taxes. Follow all PA's Budget 2020 coverage here Reports have continued to circulate about a potential cut to pensions tax relief for high earners from 40% to 20% to "equalise" the system - a proposal which has faced strong Conservative oppositi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Webinar: IHT on pensions – Advisers' questions answered

Webinar: IHT on pensions – Advisers' questions answered

Join us on 10 March 2026

Professional Adviser
clock 20 February 2026 • 1 min read
IHT receipts continue climb to £7.1bn

IHT receipts continue climb to £7.1bn

Experts note ‘fairly modest’ growth

Jen Frost
clock 20 February 2026 • 3 min read
How clients can talk discreetly to their parents about inheritance planning

How clients can talk discreetly to their parents about inheritance planning

'It's essential for clients to remain patient, empathetic, and understanding'

Mike Winstanley
clock 16 February 2026 • 5 min read