Rachel Reeves warned new tax would 'crucify' disabled children as Brits scramble to protect their cash ahead of Budget

Asked whether the planned 20 per cent VAT increase to private school fees would affect her son's education, she retorted: "I have to consider that he is in his GCSE year, so what am I going to do? Pull him out in January before his GCSEs?

"He's going to tank! I can't do that. I've got to find the money."

The mother had a scathing message for the Chancellor: "Don't do it [apply VAT to private school fees]. You're crucifying a child who will actually produce great results for this country.

"He's British and he wants to get a good job. He wants to get A Levels and go on to university. He wants to contribute, dare I say, to economic growth.

"If you continue this, he will suffer as a result. This is not about equality. This is about damaging children who are already in education. I have chosen to spend my money on privately educating him and I should not be condemned for that."

Scores of GB News viewers assembled to watch Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick battle it out for the Tory leadership at Thursday night's televised hustings, shared Sarah's anxiety as a slew of taxes are mooted for increases: capital gains; stamp duty; employer National Insurance Contributions and more.

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The Prime Minister asserts taxes will not be raised on 'working people', though some floated for increase would apply to those in employment.

Tax adviser Clare told the People's Channel the ambiguity has left her clients scrambling to take 'evasive action' before the Budget comes in: "I'm looking forward to it being over and knowing what the outcome is, because there is so much speculation.

"The whole thing has been febrile for the last two months. People are reading newspapers and taking evasive action they might not even need to take."

Asked whether her clients seem anxious, she said: "Absolutely."

On whether this Government will be successful in fixing Britain's economy, the tax expert added: "Based on the first 100 days, I doubt it!"

The panic comes as the UK is set to lose the largest amount of millionaires of any country over the next four years due to high rates and an overall unease about the economy.

The Chancellor has promised a focus on economic growth but GB News viewers were adamant tax rises would serve only to suffocate innovation.

"Increasing taxes has never, ever been a good policy. A low tax policy is what boosts the economy and brings in investment.

"30 per cent of millionaires are going to leave the UK! That's appalling", said an exasperated Sam who pinned his hopes on Robert Jenrick to lead the Tories into the next election and usurp Labour from No10.

Student Russ, who also supports Robert Jenrick, was scathing in his assessment of the Chancellor: "I don't trust them at all. The only thing that might be positive is that Labour might end up doing nothing in government because they have no ideas."

Asked to sum up the Chancellor in one word, he smirked: "Luck. She was lucky to get there."

It was Dave, a lifelong Tory voter, who summed up the prevailing mood: "We're looking forward with horror."

Appeals to Labour to rethink the VAT levy on private school fees appear to have been ignored. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson confirmed to GB News it was still going ahead: "It will [come into force] in January 2025."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would not be drawn on other tax or spending policies when questioned by journalists on Friday: "I'm not going to preempt the individual measures that would be outlined by the Chancellor."

Labour's first Budget since 2010 will be announced on 30 October.