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IEA - Public finance data leaves room for tax cuts

Julian Jessop, Economics Fellow at free market think tank the Institute of Economic Affairs, commented on today’s ONS public sector finances figures

“Public finances are in better shape than expected, leaving room for some well-targeted tax cuts.

“Despite all the spin about how higher inflation and interest payments have reduced the Chancellor’s wiggle room, borrowing in the year to date is now nearly £20 billion lower than the OBR forecast. This partly reflects the boost to tax revenues from higher prices, wages, and profits.

“This improvement might only be temporary. There was more evidence today that the economy is on the brink of recession, with retail sales and consumer confidence both tumbling. However, this only strengthens the case for a pro-growth budget.”

Notes to Editors

Contact: media@iea.org.uk / 07763 365520

The mission of the Institute of Economic Affairs is to improve understanding of the fundamental institutions of a free society by analysing and expounding the role of markets in solving economic and social problems. The IEA is a registered educational charity and independent of all political parties.

Public sector finances, UK: September 2023

Original article link: https://iea.org.uk/media/public-finance-data-leaves-room-for-tax-cuts/

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