Spring Statement 2018
Blink and you might have missed it - the new look Spring Statement was a shorter affair than in previous years and was definitely not a Budget. In fact, lasting…
Brexit analysis in a fact-free debate
Behind-the-scenes Brexit preparations continue to cause embarrassment for the government as news of a new, wholly negative Brexit analysis has leaked into the public domain. The analysis, leaked to BuzzFeed,…
Is the Industrial Strategy the answer to Britain’s productivity crisis?
On the 27th November, the Government launched its new post-Brexit ‘industrial strategy’. This programme is designed to boost the UK’s economy, build on the country’s key strengths, and set out…
Was today’s Budget box office gold or copper cobblers?
Did the Chancellor live up to his moniker (Spreadsheet Phil, Box Office Phil, PH1 to name a few) when he delivered his Budget today? He certainly managed a few gags…
Philip Hammond’s fight for his political life
There is a palpable sense that the vultures are circling over the Conservative Chancellor, Philip Hammond. A committed remainer before the Brexit vote, Hammond holds the coveted role of Chancellor…
Where was the rabbit?
We have grown used to the Chancellor pulling the proverbial rabbit out of the hat at the end of the Budget Statement – it is the crowd-pleasing headline grabber that…
The coming school funding storm
Since 2010 and the introduction of austerity, government departments have faced some of the biggest cut to budgets in decades. Spending reviews, efficiency savings and a tight fisted Treasury have…
An Autumn Statement Delivered in the Dark
Philip Hammond delivered his first, and last, Autumn Statement to the Commons on Wednesday. Not one for gimmicks or showmanship, Hammond presented what was largely a continuity budget statement, confirming…
Is privatisation the route to a budget surplus?
Just before the Easter weekend, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills somewhat cynically slipped out a proposal to privatise the UK Land Registry. On the surface, it is not…