Like many others, I spent much of the week both amused and angered by the Jason Arday scandal (mostly angered). But there's also still plenty to write on the latest UK economic data and policy news. Theme of the week If you missed it (well done!), Jason Arday is a plagiarist, a serial liar and … Continue reading Weekly wrap – The heroes, villains, and victims of the Arday scandal
Tag: fiscal rules
“The OBR: 15 years on”
I recently submitted some written evidence (or at least some opinions!) to the Treasury Select Committee’s new inquiry reflecting on the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) first 15 years. In case of wider interest, I have pasted the text below (in the format requested by the Committee). Written evidence to the Treasury Select Committee Submitted by … Continue reading “The OBR: 15 years on”
The Chancellor is set to raise taxes again – by as much as £30 billion
It has felt like an eternity, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves will finally unveil her second Autumn Budget on Wednesday 26 November. This blog begins with an explanation of how the Budget process works, then attempts to estimate the size of the new financial hole. The next instalment will look at how she is likely to … Continue reading The Chancellor is set to raise taxes again – by as much as £30 billion
A bitcoin windfall won’t save the Chancellor
This weekend the Sunday Telegraph reported that Rachel Reeves is eyeing a “£5bn Bitcoin sale” to ease the pressure on the public finances. Some commentators have grasped the wrong end of the stick here; one-off sales of financial assets could not be used to fill a “black hole” under the current fiscal rules, at least … Continue reading A bitcoin windfall won’t save the Chancellor
Plain-speaking Economics 