The recent Budget in the UK has sparked a debate on the definition of ‘working people’. The government’s manifesto pledges had left some ambiguity, and the Budget did little to clarify the situation.

One of the key measures in the Budget was the freeze on fuel duty, which was presented as a benefit for “hard-working families”. However, data from the Office for National Statistics suggests that this freeze may actually benefit wealthier drivers more, regardless of whether they are part of the working population. Similarly, the decision to scrap inheritance tax on unspent pensions raises questions about the purpose of savings for workers.

Despite the confusion, there were some positive aspects for working individuals in the Budget. Income tax and employees’ national insurance contributions remained untouched, providing a sense of stability for those in employment. Additionally, the promise to link income tax thresholds to inflation from 2028 offers some hope for relief from fiscal drag in the future.

Overall, while the Budget may not have fully clarified the definition of ‘working people’, it did bring some positive news for those in employment. It remains to be seen how these measures will impact the working population in the long run.