David Miles

Tim Shipman talks with David Miles, a Professor of Economics at Imperial College London and OBR committee member. They dive into the recent Budget leak and what it means for the UK's growth and productivity forecasts, revealing why conditions appear bleaker than expected. David clarifies the implications of delayed tax rises and explores why the UK struggles to adopt its own innovations. They also discuss the political motivations behind fiscal choices and the OBR’s approach to scoring proposed reforms amidst uncertainty.

Michael Gove, a seasoned politician, shares his insights alongside David Miles from the Office for Budget Responsibility. They delve into Rachel Reeves' recent budget announcement, dissecting the £15 billion in spending cuts and its political ramifications. The discussion highlights the bleak growth forecasts and the impact of welfare reforms. They tackle the moral dilemmas surrounding welfare cuts and the government's heavy reliance on the OBR, raising questions about who truly runs the country and how Labour can drive economic growth.

In this discussion, Katy Balls, Political editor at The Spectator, and David Miles, economist from the OBR, dissect the aftermath of Rachel Reeves's Budget. They explore the mixed reactions, pinpointing key losers and pondering potential winners. The conversation highlights a hefty £70 billion government spending increase and its sustainability concerns. Internal tensions within Labour over fiscal policies are scrutinized, along with the budget's hidden impacts on households, pointing to rising taxes and longer-term financial burdens.