Author: julianhjessop

“Lies, damned lies, and statistics on NHS pay”

To be frank, I don’t have a strong view on what nurses should be paid, though I probably wouldn't begrudge them a bigger increase than 1%. Instead, this blog seeks to draw attention to some of the pitfalls in how others are presenting their case. For a start, it seems odd to make up your … Continue reading “Lies, damned lies, and statistics on NHS pay” →

Two cheers and one boo for the Budget

On balance, I think Rishi Sunak got more things right than wrong in Wednesday’s Budget. Let’s start with a couple of positives. First, he extended the most important support measures, including the uplift to Universal Credit and the furlough scheme, until the end of September. This is probably longer than strictly necessary because the remaining … Continue reading Two cheers and one boo for the Budget →

Is there any case for tax increases now?

Few people outside the Treasury think that now is a good time even to be talking about raising taxes, let alone actually doing so. Nonetheless, it seems almost certain that the Chancellor will start down this road in Wednesday’s Budget. This may not be as mad as it sounds. The arguments against immediate tax hikes … Continue reading Is there any case for tax increases now? →