Here is a short post on some key points to watch for tomorrow when the Chancellor presents her ‘Spring Statement’ to the UK parliament (at about 12.30). More questions than answers, I’m afraid, but I will follow up once we know more! 1. The immediate outlook for growth. The OBR is widely expected to halve … Continue reading 10 things to look for in the Spring Statement
Tag: Austerity
Yes to a ‘step increase’ in public investment – but only a small one
Eight prominent economists have written a letter to the Financial Times arguing that the UK needs a ‘step increase’ in public investment in order to boost growth and to fix social and environmental problems. There is clearly something in this, but many risks too. As the writers correctly note, there is an emerging consensus that … Continue reading Yes to a ‘step increase’ in public investment – but only a small one
Broken Britain: can a Labour government fix it?
Keir Starmer’s suited and rebooted Labour Party looks set to sweep to power and says it is ready for business. But Labour will also inherit an economy suffering from a chronic lack of growth, a housing crisis, and failing public services. Nothing seems to be working properly and productivity has stagnated. Can Labour get the … Continue reading Broken Britain: can a Labour government fix it?
The Autumn Statement (or ‘Revenge of the bean-counters!’)
If you believe that there is a £55 billion ‘black hole’ in the public finances, and if you believe this has to be filled with tax increases and spending cuts in order to reassure the markets, then Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Statement was a reasonably fair way to go about it. But there are some mighty … Continue reading The Autumn Statement (or ‘Revenge of the bean-counters!’)
Plain-speaking Economics 