Although it was good to see a penny off a pint I doubt many people will be cheering after the budget.
Some of the better features, like changes to the tax threshold, won't come in until next year (note the lack of mention of fiscal drag and the lower national insurance threshold). There was also frozen fuel duty but the poor forecasted growth figures could easily wipe any benefits out. Add in the continuing spending cuts and the true nature of Osborne's thinking becomes apparent. Keep the markets happy.
Adding to the feeling that the Chancellor has no real good news there were minor tweaks to boost the still-inflated housing bubble. Curious that a government that believes in the free market sees it is essential to interfere in this one...
The result? More of the same: low growth, falling real incomes and increasing unemployment. Plan A whatever the consequences.
Some of the better features, like changes to the tax threshold, won't come in until next year (note the lack of mention of fiscal drag and the lower national insurance threshold). There was also frozen fuel duty but the poor forecasted growth figures could easily wipe any benefits out. Add in the continuing spending cuts and the true nature of Osborne's thinking becomes apparent. Keep the markets happy.
Adding to the feeling that the Chancellor has no real good news there were minor tweaks to boost the still-inflated housing bubble. Curious that a government that believes in the free market sees it is essential to interfere in this one...
The result? More of the same: low growth, falling real incomes and increasing unemployment. Plan A whatever the consequences.