Just in case Labour forms the next government (it’s wise to be prepared for all eventualities!), here’s a rundown of their stated plans on tax, and what they might actually do in power. It’s only fair to start with what’s in the manifesto. The short answer is ‘not a lot’. The permanent tax measures include: … Continue reading What will Labour do on tax?
Category: UK economy
Does any UK party have a credible plan on tax and spending?
The four main parties (on the basis of their likely share of the UK vote) have all now published their manifestos for the general election on 4th July. The boldness of the commitments appears to be inversely related to the number of seats that each party is predicted to win. But every party has a … Continue reading Does any UK party have a credible plan on tax and spending?
The Bank of England should ignore politics and cut rates on Thursday
The Bank of England risks becoming Public Enemy Number 1 again this week. On Thursday the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee will announce their latest decision on interest rates. If they surprise the markets by cutting rates just two weeks before election day, some will accuse them of trying to do the Conservatives a favour. On … Continue reading The Bank of England should ignore politics and cut rates on Thursday
Rachel Reeves ‘£4,800’ mortgage claim is a house of cards
Labour’s Rachel Reeves has scored some political points this week by claiming that the Conservatives have made £71 billion of “unfunded policy pledges”, and that this will “mean £4,800 on your mortgage”. But these calculations are simply absurd and easy to knock down. Let us start with the ‘£71 billion’. This figure first appeared in … Continue reading Rachel Reeves ‘£4,800’ mortgage claim is a house of cards
Plain-speaking Economics 