At Last, the Budget: National Insurance Cut, Child Benefit Reform & Non Doms No More
Mar 6, 2024
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The podcast discusses the Chancellor's Budget highlights, including tax cuts and child benefit reform. Analysis from experts on economic implications and political responses. Exploration of government policies, capital gains tax changes, and their impact on voters and property markets.
Chancellor introduces tax cuts including 2% National Insurance reduction to stimulate economy.
Labour leader criticizes tax-focused budget, questioning economic record and delay in policy implementation.
Deep dives
Economic Growth and Tax Cuts
The Chancellor outlines the UK's economic progress under the conservative government since 2010, citing growth higher than its European counterparts. He highlights achievements such as unemployment reduction and lowering absolute poverty. The announced tax cuts include a 2% reduction in national insurance, benefiting millions of employees and self-employed individuals, reflecting a plan to boost the economy.
Budget Response and Criticism
Labour leader Keir Starmer criticizes the focus on tax cuts, stating it results in the highest tax burden in 70 years. He challenges the government's economic record and accuses them of putting personal interests first. Starmer questions the delay in implementing certain policies and disputes claims of faster economic growth compared to other countries, emphasizing the decline in GDP per capita.
Market Analysis and Budget Impact
Market experts analyze the budget announcements, noting limited market movement due to predictable measures. National Insurance cuts and changes in capital gains tax receive attention for their potential impact. The government balances tax cuts with measures affecting property and public services to navigate economic challenges leading up to the next election.
The Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has unveiled details of his long-awaited Budget, with tax cuts he's hoping will revive his party's ratings in the polls. Among the key measures: a two percentage point cut to National Insurance contributions, raising the threshold at which child benefit is taxed, abolishing the non-domiciled tax status and introducing a British ISA to encourage more investing in UK stocks. We bring you highlights from Hunt's speech, the response from Labour leader Keir Starmer, plus analysis from Stephanie Flanders, Head of Bloomberg Economics, and John Stepek, who writes Bloomberg's Money Distilled newsletter. Hosted by Stephen Carroll and Caroline Hepker.