Some personal reflections on today’s news (as usual, all views here are my own only). First, the economics. The fall in UK inflation from 3.2% to 2.3% in April was slightly smaller than expected, but still another big step in the right direction. Admittedly, the ‘core’ rate excluding food and energy, at 3.9%, was still … Continue reading Thoughts on inflation, interest rates – and a surprise July election
Category: Taxation
Could the economy still save Rishi Sunak?
Voters will obviously need to believe that the "economic plan" is working if the Conservatives are to have any chance of winning the General Election. But while it's not yet showing in the polls, some essential parts of the jigsaw are now falling into place. Indeed, Labour’s Rachel Reeves appeared worried enough to launch a … Continue reading Could the economy still save Rishi Sunak?
A ‘glass half full’ take on the Budget
There has been the usual blizzard of commentary on last Wednesday’s Budget – most of it negative – which continued over the weekend. For chapter and miserable verse, try the IFS or the Resolution Foundation. This piece will reflect instead on three positives and offer a quick verdict on some of the individual announcements. The … Continue reading A ‘glass half full’ take on the Budget
We need more serious conversations about both tax and spending
The run-up to the March Budget has seen the usual flurry of rumours about how much room Jeremy Hunt has for tax cuts and what he might do with it. This time, however, there is also a growing consensus that the current fiscal framework is not fit for purpose – and that we need to … Continue reading We need more serious conversations about both tax and spending
Plain-speaking Economics 