Jeremy Hunt suggested tax cuts announced at the Autumn Statement were just a “start” as the Chancellor hinted at further giveaways before the next general election.

Mr Hunt said he was able to “make a start” yesterday on efforts to reduce the tax burden and he hoped he will be able to “reduce the tax burden still further in the future”. 

He told Times Radio this morning: “I can make a start, and that is what I did yesterday, in reducing the tax burden but I have chosen to do it in a way that is going to grow the economy.”

He added: “Better paid jobs, higher living standards in the future and that is the long term way that we fund our public services like the NHS and I hope are able to reduce the tax burden still further in the future.” 

The date for the next general election has not yet been set but there is speculation it could be held in May or November next year. That would give Mr Hunt one more opportunity to announce tax cuts - the spring Budget in March - before the nation goes to the polls.

Mr Hunt yesterday unveiled the biggest tax cuts in 35 years as National Insurance was slashed and a major investment tax incentive for businesses was made permanent. 

However, the tax burden is still forecast to become bigger than at any time since after the Second World War because of the impact of past stealth tax raids and Tory MPs have called for more cuts before the next election.

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