An EU referendum by the end of 2017 is among a packed programme of new laws in the first Conservative-only Queen’s Speech in nearly two decades.
It also includes more free childcare, an income tax freeze and the right-to-buy for housing association tenants.
David Cameron said the 26-bill package was a “programme for working people” that would create full employment and “bring our country together”.
The measures were unveiled by the Queen amid the usual pomp and ceremony.
The proposed legislation includes:
- A ban on income tax, VAT and national insurance increases for five years
- Freeze working age benefits, tax credits and child benefit for two years from 2016/17
- 30 hours free childcare a week for three and four-year-olds by 2017
- Cutting the total amount one household can claim in benefits from £26,000 to £23,000
- More devolution for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and “English Votes for English Laws” at Westminster
- 500 more free schools and more failing and “coasting” schools turned into Academies
- A ban on so-called legal highs
- A “truly seven day” NHS by 2020
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