You know what won’t improve state efficiency? More watchdogs November 12, 2024 Donald Trump and Keir Starmer agree on one thing at least: their governments need reforming and to be much more efficient. Sadly for those on this side of the Atlantic, our value-for-money policies inspire little confidence. The UK already needed radical attention but Labour’s first Budget has raised the stakes even higher. As the Office [...]
Government ‘would breach fiscal rules with minor rate rise’ November 5, 2024 The Chancellor would be in breach of her own fiscal rules if interest rates remain just 30 basis points higher than the fiscal watchdog forecasts, Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) economists have said. Giving evidence to the Treasury Committee, OBR member Tom Josephs told MPs that his colleagues conducted analysis that found “a change of [...]
Tax burden to rise to historic highs after Labour’s first Budget, OBR says October 30, 2024 "This budget delivers one of the largest increases in spending, tax and borrowing of any fiscal event in history," Richard Hughes, chair of the OBR said following the Budget.
Autumn Budget 2024: OBR forecasts how much economy will grow October 30, 2024 Forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility were published alongside the new government's first Budget.
Jeremy Hunt accuses OBR of making a ‘political intervention’ over Labour’s blackhole review October 28, 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves has used the supposed existence of the £22bn blackhole as a justification to hike taxes in Wednesday's Budget.
Yes, the UK needs more investment – just not necessarily by government September 17, 2024 After all, the public sector isn't always best suited to overseeing large scale investment projects like the disastrous HS2, writes Julian Jessop
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.
Treasury fails to deny capital gains tax hike as Reeves readies ‘broken’ finances warning July 28, 2024 Rachel Reeves is set to warn of the "broken" state of the UK's public finances in a speech on Monday, as rumours of a hike in capital gains tax continue to swirl.
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 [...]
OBR, workers rights and planning: What to watch out for in the King’s Speech? July 16, 2024 Labour will set out their programme for government on Wednesday, when King Charles will deliver the King’s Speech as part of the state opening of Parliament.