Monthly Archives: October 2010

As we have seen, the government’s budget reduction strategy rests on growth in the economy to increase tax revenues. The Office of Budget responsibility forecasts growth of 2.3% in 2011, 2.8% in 2012, 2.9% in 2013, 2.7% in 2014 and 2.7% in 2015. These figures are all above the trend rate of growth the Office [...]

I hear yesterday the site was hijacked by a pharmaceutical offer. This was reported and corrected. It has happened again today. The site provider tells me he will try to put in a permanent answer this week-end. Rest assured the hijacker has nothing to do with me.

Amidst all the debate about whether the government has culled enough quangos, and as we await news of how much money they will save from the changes, there are some welcome developments. The government does seem to be against spending our money on creating or sustaining public bodies whose task is to lobby the government. [...]

Today the government is announcing one of its spending increases – £7 billion extra over four years for education. I expect when we see the total schools’ budgets we will see they will avoid cuts this Parliament. We should also expect to see increases in the Health budget, as promised. The pensions budget will rise [...]

Three things slow down moderation for any contribution. 1. Adding a link to a site I do not know. Quite often the link does not work on my computer , so it takes time to find it and see what it says, or I may not be able to track it down. Whilst I cannot [...]

Yesterday afternoon and evening Conservative MPs massed in the Commons to complain that at a time when all the talk is of cuts the EU budget marches onwards and upwards. Most Labour MPs had gone home or found other things to do. Their Spokeswoman was unable to tell us whether Labour MEPs would seek to [...]

We need a change of approach to the banks, tax rates on savings and earning which optimise revenues, a different approach to managing and explaining public spending, and a more upbeat message from the government. Today I wish to concentrate on what fascinates and preoccupies modern politicians the most – the message. The Coaliton government [...]

Yesterday a couple of Thames Valley public services came to Westminster to tell MPs about the state of their finances and the issues facing their services. Naturally both were apprehensive about possible cuts, and neither are yet well informed about the future they face. Local MPs are keen to help, as none of us wish [...]

My answer to those who ask should the UK enter another phase of money printing or quantitative easing is a simple “No”. The £200 billion of the last government’s programme is still in the system. It has caused some inflation, by helping drive the pound down against other currencies. This has led to dearer imports [...]