Tag: Jeremy Hunt

The British Tories’ Desperation Budget
Business

The British Tories’ Desperation Budget

United Kingdom Chancellor Jeremy Hunt on Wednesday unveiled a new budget, and what do you know. He and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have finally realized they need faster economic growth. But it’s probably far too little and way too late.This week’s Autumn Statement marks the last opportunity Messrs. Sunak and Hunt are likely to have to impress voters before an election expected next year. The Tories are down by double digits in the polls against the Labour Party in large part because voters are sour on the economy. Inflation peaked at 11.1% in October 2022 and only recently fell below 5%. Wage growth is far from catching up to the new price level, and growth remains soft.Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
U.K. Budget Deficit Will Be Smaller Than Previously Expected, Treasury Chief Says
World

U.K. Budget Deficit Will Be Smaller Than Previously Expected, Treasury Chief Says

Updated Nov. 22, 2023 9:06 am ETThe U.K. economy will grow much more slowly over the coming two years than previously forecast, although the government’s budget deficits will be slightly smaller than anticipated, Treasury Chief Jeremy Hunt told lawmakers Wednesday.The independent Office for Budget Responsibility expects the U.K. economy to grow by 0.6% this year, having previously forecast a contraction of 0.2%. But it lowered its growth estimate for next year to 0.7% from 1.8% previously, and its forecast for 2025 to 1.4% from 2.5%.Copyright ©2023 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8