UK industry has struggled for years under the burden of relatively high electricity costs The stream of bad news about energy shows no sign of ending. Last month the regulator Ofgem confirmed that the cap on domestic bills will rise by another 4% in October, despite the temporary removal of VAT from the cost of … Continue reading Expensive energy, not Brexit, explains why Britain is stagnating
Tag: Austerity
Weekly wrap – No, Prime Minister…
Including thoughts on why Andy Burnham is wrong about “austerity” and Brexit, on bonds and the Budget, and on why the construction sector is such a good bellwether of the success of Labour’s policies... Theme of the Week On Tuesday Andy Burnham addressed MPs on the direction in which he hopes to lead the country. This … Continue reading Weekly wrap – No, Prime Minister…
10 things to look for in the Spring Statement
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
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
Plain-speaking Economics 