OBR warns national debt is on ‘unsustainable path’ unless government takes action September 12, 2024 The OBR forecast that government spending would rise to 60 per cent of GDP, from 45 per cent at the moment, whereas revenue will remain flat.
Labour’s housebuilding plans ‘too reliant’ on private sector September 12, 2024 An influential think tank has argued that the government is unlikely to meet its ambitious housebuilding targets because it is "too reliant" on the private sector.
‘Hard to justify’: IFS calls for Reeves to limit pension tax-free lump sum September 11, 2024 Rachel Reeves is rumoured to be considering a shake-up of pension tax reliefs in the October Budget as she seeks to address a challenging fiscal inheritance.
US inflation falls to lowest level since February 2021 as Fed prepares to cut interest rates September 11, 2024 US inflation fell to its lowest level since February 2021 in August, new figures show, but core prices rose faster than anticipated. Figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that inflation fell to 2.5 per cent in August, down from 2.9 per cent the month before and in line with expectations. Prices increased 0.2 per [...]
GDP unexpectedly stagnates in July following strong first half of 2024 September 11, 2024 The figures returned the UK to growth after GDP was flat in June and represent a positive start to the second half of the year.
Goldman Sachs expects tax hikes of ‘at least’ £20bn in Reeves budget September 10, 2024 Many potential tax reforms have faced criticism for their potential unintended consequences.
Value of mortgages in arrears hits highest level since 2014 – Bank of England September 10, 2024 Mortgage holders are continuing to feel the pain from the Bank of England’s efforts to combat inflation, according to new figures. Data released by the Bank showed that the value of outstanding mortgages in arrears hit £21.9bn in the second quarter of this year, the highest figure since 2014. This was a 32 per cent [...]
Bank of England gets the ‘green light’ for another rate cut following wage figures September 10, 2024 For the second month in a row the figures show that pay growth eased markedly even while unemployment edged lower.
Wage growth slows ‘markedly’ in a boost for the Bank of England September 10, 2024 Strong wage growth has been a concern for policymakers at the Bank of England due to fears that it could keep cost pressures elevated, particularly in the labour-intensive services sector.
Government faces ‘grim reality’ on national debt, peers warn September 10, 2024 "If we wish to improve the level of and quality of services, and continue the current provision of benefits, taxes will need to rise. The alternative is that the state does less," the report said.