Spring Budget announcement start time as Jeremy Hunt set to announce tax plans

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Jeremy Hunt will deliver his Spring Budget in the House of Commons this afternoon. The chancellor is expected to announce a 2 per cent cut to the National Insurance rate, which comes after the rate was previously cut from 12 per cent to 10 per cent in January.

The chancellor has said that his economic plans will deliver "more opportunity and more prosperity". After facing pressure from Tory MPs for additional tax cuts ahead of a general election, Mr Hunt has promised "permanent cuts in taxation" that he says will bring "higher growth". READ MORE: Four things to look for in Spring Budget that could impact your finances - including another National Insurance cut Mr Hunt will deliver his plans to MPs in the House of Commons at around 12.30pm, straight after Prime Minister's Questions.

With polls suggesting Labour is on track to win the general election, which Rishi Sunak says will happen this year, Mr Hunt is expected to use his Budget to set electoral dividing lines with the opposition.

In comments ahead of his Budget, Mr Hunt said: "Because of the progress we've made because we are delivering on the Prime Minister's economic priorities we can now help families with permanent cuts in taxation. "We do this not just to give help where it is needed in challenging times.