7 Autumn Budget decisions that could affect the North East

The Chancellor has made no secret of the 'black hole' in finances that the Government has inherited, so there could be some bad news coming our way.

There have been pledges to not add to the taxpayers burden directly through national insurance, VAT or income tax, but that means the more covert routes will be well trodden.

There are several areas which will have our readers on the edge of their seats during the Echo's live blog on the big day, including:

Pensions

We've relied on them for generations and planned our retirements around them, but now they could be the source of revenue the Government needs. Ages could be raised to delay the time you can claim them, or a sideways penalty imposed on the tax-free slice of your lump sum. Pensions could be changing for good.

Inheritance tax

Many families don't pay this this because so many estates fall below the tax threshold. But that might be about to change as well, if the Chancellor changes the threshold or the amount of tax to be paid. But one of the biggest concerns here in the North East is a possible threat to the exemption that farmers and businesses have at the moment. For farmers that allows the transition of an estate through a family, but if this is taxed, the whole future of a family's business could be at risk.

Hopefully, back on track (Image: Hitachi)

Hitachi

We've made no secret here at The Echo that it is time to make clear the Government's stance on Hitachi. Will they make the decisive 'stroke of the pen' that will secure it for the long-term, not just a  short-term vote-pleaser, but a big vote of confidence.

Private schools

A divisive subject, but some of our finest private schools are dotted around the region, and they offer choice and variety not always available in state schools. But they are seen as elitist and may be seen as a target for a Labour government still keen to let people know it retains socialist credentials by imposing VAT on private school fees to force them to pay for more resources in state schools. 

NHS 

The Prime Minister has made it clear he sees the NHS's future as a data-driven 'neighbourhood health service', shifting more care from hospitals to communities. He may see that as part of the financial solution to the NHS's own black hole, but it will take many billions to treat the patient and the Government isn't afraid to say 'if you want it you have to pay for it'.

Hospices in crisis (Image: Newsquest)

Hospices 

Teesside Hospice and Butterwick Hospice have warned that the sector will soon be no longer financially viable as hospices face a challenge to balance their books - with charity Hospice UK saying it has to rely on a larger income from charity shops than Government funding. The Chancellor could go a long way to improve the Government's image after the winter fuel allowance row if she helps hospices retain their own dignity.

The A66

Like many huge infrastructure projects where costs are rising all the time, the dualling of the A66 through region is a big target the Government may not be able to resist. Like HS2, it can be difficult to understand the benefits that would be worth such an outlay. Cutting the plan now will save a fortune potentially without too much outcry.

Do you agree?

Does that list sum up your concerns, or is there something else you will waiting to hear about next week? Let us know HERE.