US confidence in UK business environment improves but concerns over tax grow July 24, 2024 US confidence in the UK's business environment increased for the first time in two years, according to a survey, but American firms were also increasingly nervous about the tax regime.
Will Labour’s move to hire 300 planning officers be enough to get Britain building again? July 24, 2024 Since entering office, planning reforms have been central to the new government’s attempts to stimulate higher economic growth. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already announced a number of important changes to the planning regime with more changes expected before the end of the month. Alongside these reforms, the government has committed to hire 300 extra planners [...]
Fiscal prudence? The iron chancellor doth protest too much July 24, 2024 Rachel Reeves’ decision to expand the powers of the OBR suggests apprehension, not confidence, writes Tim Focas. Rachel Reeves has promised to be an “iron chancellor” embodying fiscal constraint and discipline. Yet, her first legislative move to enhance the powers of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) raises questions about her own confidence in living [...]
HS2: Cancelling northern leg will cost £100m – and make everything worse July 23, 2024 The total cost of completing High Speed Two (HS2) could reach nearly £60bn, according to the National Audit Office.
Getting ‘everyone in the room’ won’t cut it, Labour must be ready to cause upset July 23, 2024 To govern as an ‘adult’, Labour must confront the hard decisions now and be ready to cause some controversy, writes James Nation.
GB Energy is more rooted in ‘big state’ ideology than climate ambition July 23, 2024 Conservatives need to hold Labour accountable for wasting taxpayers’ money and crowding out private finance through GB Energy, writes Sam Hall
Skills England launched with pledge to cut ‘over-reliance’ on migrant labour July 22, 2024 Announcing the new body, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he wanted to reduce firms' "over-reliance" on migrant workers.
Aviva and Lloyds among City firms to back National Wealth Fund investment drive July 22, 2024 The Investment Delivery Forum, founded by seven of the UK’s biggest insurance and long-term saving firms, has pledged to pump billions of pounds into Reeves’ new wealth fund.
Rachel Reeves promises ‘big bang’ on growth as she launches pensions review July 21, 2024 The review will explore ways in which billions of pounds worth of assets held by pension funds could be directed to productive assets, helping to fuel growth across the country.
Here’s what the Czech Sphinx is planning for Royal Mail July 18, 2024 EP Group will offer a legally binding guarantee that there will be no change in control of GLS or Royal Mail for three years following the acquisition.