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 [...]
Make no mistake, tax rises are on the way July 23, 2024 Evidence is piling up that Chancellor Rachel Reeves will almost certainly be forced to raise taxes this autumn, Chris Dorrell writes
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.
Tedium alone won’t restore confidence in the economy July 23, 2024 The theory of Ricardian Equivalence posits that financing public spending out of taxes or borrowing will have the same overall economic consequences. This, David Ricardo argued in 1820, was because rational consumers understand that debt will eventually have to be paid off. They will therefore set aside current income in anticipation of future tax rises. [...]
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.
Public sector pay rises could cost up to £10bn, economist warns July 20, 2024 Independent pay review bodies are reported to be preparing to recommend such an increase for teachers and around 1.3m NHS staff, according to The Times.
FTSE 100 chief warns a pension poverty crisis looms without sweeping review July 17, 2024 Millions of Brits risk sleepwalking into an impoverished retirement by failing to stash away enough in their pension pots, the UK’s biggest pensions firm has warned, in a call for a sweeping government review of the pension systems.
King’s Speech: Planning Bill unveiled to lift ‘brake’ on economic growth July 17, 2024 A new Planning Bill unveiled in the King’s Speech is intended to lift the “major brake” on the UK’s economic growth, by unlocking national housing and infrastructure projects.
Labour’s big challenge will be separating style from substance July 17, 2024 Rachel Reeves said that one day in government is better than a lifetime in opposition. Let’s hope Labour don’t flunk their first real test.
Keir Starmer to take the ‘brakes off Britain’ with growth-focused King’s Speech July 17, 2024 Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to take the “brakes off Britain” with a growth-focused King’s Speech.