UK Minister Says Fairness Will Guide Possible Tax Rises in Autumn Budget

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government will apply a "fairness" test to any tax measures in the autumn Budget, acknowledging that ministers are aware tough decisions lie ahead for the chancellor. In an interview on Sky News, Alexander confirmed that the Cabinet did not discuss a wealth tax "directly" during its 11 July away-day but added that ministers are "cognisant" of the fiscal choices that will be required once the Office for Budget Responsibility updates its forecasts. Alexander reiterated the Labour manifesto pledge not to raise taxes on people with modest incomes, yet declined to rule out broader increases, fuelling expectations that higher-end taxes could be considered to plug holes left by abandoned welfare reforms. Opposition Conservatives seized on the remarks as fresh evidence that tax rises are imminent, while the government maintains that any decisions will balance revenue needs with its commitment to fairness.