News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

UK News

Christian charities unimpressed by Autumn Statement

The Chancellor has delivered his Autumn Statement. George Osborne says "Britain's economic plan is working" but warns the job is "not yet done".

Among the measures announced is:

- The state pension age will rise to 68 in the mid-2030s

- A petrol tax rise of 2p a litre planned for next year is cancelled

- A married couples and civil partners tax break by April 2015

- Free school lunches from next September

- A removal of employers' National Insurance contributions for the under 21s

Liam Allmark is from Caritas Social Action Network - the social action wing of the Catholic Church. He told Premier's Marcus Jones on the News Hour he didn't see too many positives for the country's poorest.

The Children's Society also has reservations. Chief Executive, Matthew Reed said: "Measures in this year's Autumn Statement hit low-income working families hard.

"Two-thirds of children in poverty are in working families, but by freezing the work allowance for Universal Credit over the next three years, the government is making it harder for families to make work pay."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate