Free bus passes and prescriptions for pensioners to be protected in Budget

Free bus passes and prescriptions for pensioners are set to be safeguarded in the upcoming Budget, it is being reported. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves is reportedly planning to protect these benefits amidst concerns that older individuals could be disadvantaged as she attempts to rectify the economic turmoil left by the Conservative party.

This news comes as campaigners express worry that these state-funded perks might be at risk following Ms Reeves' proposal to reduce the winter fuel allowance for 10 million pensioners, reports the Mirror.

Labour leader Keir Starmer, while en route to a Commonwealth summit in Samoa, faced questions about whether he would maintain free prescriptions and bus passes. He responded: "I'm not going to pre-empt that but we do want to make sure that pensioners are properly protected, of course we do."

It is believed there are currently no intentions to scrap either benefit as of October 30. Mr Starmer has indicated that the Budget will be pivotal in shaping the Government's economic strategy, potentially marking a critical juncture for his leadership.

Amidst rumours that potential increases in capital gains tax could deter business start-ups and foreign investment, the Prime Minister reassured that there is "no reason" for entrepreneurs to abandon the UK. Addressing the speculation on whether entrepreneurs might consider leaving due to the anticipated tax changes, he told reporters: "There is no reason for them to."

He highlighted the positive reception of a recent investment summit in London, noting that it was well received by a significant number of global investors. .

When questioned about the Budget's significance, he replied: "Is it going to be an important Budget? Yes, it is. It's the first one for 15 years, the first Labour Budget. It's our first opportunity to define the way in which we will approach the economy, and that's why I say we will fix the foundations and rebuild the country."