Nigel Farage is facing criticism for proposing significant cuts to public spending, with accusations of advocating a return to harmful austerity measures. During a speech in central London, the Reform leader failed to support the pensions triple lock, questioned the minimum wage for young workers, and pledged reductions in the welfare budget. He abandoned his proposed £90 billion tax cuts following criticism from economists.

Following the speech, Farage was swiftly accused of presenting an “incoherent saloon bar budget” that would primarily benefit hedge funds and financial speculators at the expense of workers. The Labour Party condemned Farage’s plans, asserting that they would lead to severe cuts in public services, such as the NHS, schools, and pensions, jeopardizing millions of jobs and causing financial turmoil for families.

Reform’s agenda includes a substantial reduction in the benefits bill and downsizing the public sector, with a commitment to reassess all disability claims in person. Farage’s recent proposal to eliminate Personal Independence Payments for individuals with anxiety was strongly denounced as “cruel, heartless, and reprehensible.” The party aims to overhaul the welfare system by implementing face-to-face assessments and introducing a “fast track to work” initiative for those undergoing benefit withdrawals.

Furthermore, Farage reiterated his intention to scrap the government’s Net Zero policies, criticizing the associated costs and emphasizing the need to lower energy expenses. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warned that Farage’s stance on net zero could endanger thousands of jobs in sectors like electric vehicles and green steel. Farage’s plan to cut foreign aid by £7 billion to £8 billion annually sparked controversy, with critics highlighting potential negative impacts on vulnerable pensioners and education funding.

Farage’s proposal to grant non-dom tax status to wealthy individuals in exchange for a one-time fee has drawn criticism for favoring the rich and facilitating tax avoidance. Labour has denounced this initiative as a means for foreign billionaires to evade their tax obligations in the UK. Farage’s defense of affluent individuals and his push to prevent their departure from the country has sparked further debate on tax policies and wealth distribution.