Businesses ‘clearly anxious’ as budget approaches, survey shows October 8, 2024 The BCC's quarterly economic survey showed that 48 per cent of firms cited taxation as a worry, up from 36 per cent the quarter before.
Chancellor’s tightrope walk will leave us holding our breath October 8, 2024 By tradition, Chancellors are allowed a stiff drink at the despatch box as they deliver their Budget. Parliamentary records tell us that Gladstone enjoyed sherry and beaten egg while the most recent Chancellor to indulge in this ancient right, Ken Clarke, opted for a straight whiskey. Since then, there’s been nothing but water in the [...]
Growing labour market slack ‘strengthens case for further rate cuts’ October 7, 2024 "A greater number of candidates and reduced demand helped to limit pay growth," the survey said.
Growth set to return but fears persist ahead of budget October 7, 2024 City economists expect figures published on Friday to confirm that the UK grew 0.2 per cent in August, having been stagnant for the two months prior.
Fears grow about Labour’s private school VAT raid October 6, 2024 According to analysis published by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) last week, there was a 1.7 per cent drop in the number of children attending private school in the last year.
US inflation to take centre stage after bumper jobs report October 6, 2024 Economists expect the headline rate to fall to 2.3 per cent from 2.5 per cent, which would leave inflation at its lowest level since February 2021.
IFS joins calls for ‘serious reform’ of capital gains tax October 6, 2024 Rachel Reeves is reportedly considering a range of tax hikes in the budget, including to CGT, as she seeks to put the public finances on surer footing.
Construction sector surges thanks to interest rate cuts and planning reform October 4, 2024 "UK construction companies indicated a decisive improvement in output growth momentum during September," Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence said.
Bank of England’s Huw Pill: ‘Ample reason for caution’ on interest rates October 4, 2024 Huw Pill, chief economist at the Bank of England, called for a “gradual” approach to cutting interest rates, citing continued concerns about the potential upside risks to the inflationary outlook. In a speech this morning Pill said there was “ample reason for caution” when assessing the dissipation of inflationary persistence. “While further cuts in Bank [...]
Footfall at UK retailers improves for first time in over a year October 4, 2024 This was the first time that footfall has shown an improvement since July 2023.