UK CHANCELLOR RACHEL Reeves is under pressure today, as the British papers give their verdicts on the Budget.

Reeves announced a “smorgasbord” of tax hikes, which some have equated to taxing certain industries, such as oil and gas, “to death”.

She also unveiled billions of pounds in spending measures, including an end to the two-child benefit cap and above-inflation rises to the minimum wage and pensions.

Several major newspapers have taken aim at the measures on their front pages.

The Sun labelled it “the Benefits Street Budget”, a reference to soap opera Coronation Street. It says Reeves “wallops workers”.

“Families will foot handout bill for skivers,” it claims. 

The Daily Express also used the “Benefits Street” quip.

The iPaper said Reeves is adopting a policy of “spend now, pay later”.

The Guardian led with a quote from Reeves: “I am asking everyone to make a contribution.”

In more tabloid dramatics, The Daily Star has compared Reeves to the Grinch who stole Christmas.

“Chancellor hits workers as Budget’s leaked,” it reads.

Yesterday’s announcement was overshadowed by an unprecedented blunder that saw the Office of Budget Responsibility publish its assessment of the economy and the Chancellor’s plans before Reeves had even begun her speech.

The OBR apologised, blaming a “technical error”, and said its chairman will resign if an internal investigation over the incident recommends it.

‘Broken promises’

The Daily Telegraph’s front page features a photo of Reeve’s holding her ministerial box outside Downing Street. It’s labelled “a red box of broken promises”.

It says “middle class” people will “bear the brunt of the pain” – the pain being welfare increases.

Reeves extended a freeze on tax thresholds for an extra three years in a move that will mean millions will pay more tax.

But she said the biggest burden would fall on those “with the broadest shoulders” through higher taxes on property and savings, including a new tax on homes worth more than £2 million.

The Daily Mail has labelled the measures “spiteful raids on strivers”.

Reeves also announced higher levies for online gambling, a mileage-based charge for electric-car users and a cap on pension benefits.

Some sweeteners in her budget included freezes on rail fares and prescription charges, as well as cuts to high energy bills.

The government has additionally extended a sugar tax to include pre-packaged milkshakes and other milk-based drinks.

With reporting from PA