Overview

• GB News and the Express report that pensions minister Torsten Bell has been promoted to help Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepare the Autumn Budget.
• The Chancellor is reported to be seeking £20–£50 billion, with coverage highlighting a wide set of revenue options attributed to Bell.
• Lists published by these outlets include proposals such as capping tax-free ISAs at £100,000, scrapping the inheritance tax nil-rate band, and charging 28% capital gains tax on main-home sales.
• Other reported ideas include cutting the VAT registration threshold to £30,000 and scrapping business and agricultural property reliefs, which would affect many small firms.
• The outlets present these measures as Bell’s past or suggested proposals rather than confirmed government policy, while critics argue they would hit savers, homeowners, pensioners and small businesses.