George Osborne
Budget 2013: What to look out for
Left Foot Forward has looked at a few things we already know will be in today's Budget as well as at those things which stand half a chance of making it.
Osborne may need to rethink anti-tax avoidance measures
Previously describing tax avoidance as “morally repugnant”, Osborne has commendably acknowledged the extent of the problem as a drain on public finances. Unfortunately the key weapon in Osborne’s arsenal to tackle the problem – the General Anti-Abuse Rule (GAAR) – is far too narrow to prevent the major headline-grabbing schemes which have emerged in recent months.
Osborne’s bet on Mundell-Fleming
What's wrong with the Mundell-Fleming model? This question probably doesn't much pre-occupy the political class, but it should because it provides pretty much the only defence remaining for the coalition's macroeconomic policies.
The FT tears apart austerity economics (again)
Martin Wolf has a blistering piece in today's Financial Times (£) challenging David Cameron's stubborn adherence to austerity economics.
The treasury friendly Niesr graph
Here we have the fully adjusted, treasury-friendly Niesr economic graph which takes account of Britain's economic realities.
Responsible Capitalism: a European wave is building that Labour should ride
A year ago, Ed Miliband set out his vision of Responsible Capitalism, saying Labour was “determined to stand up against the vested interests that are imposing a surcharge culture on people”. In the past few weeks in Germany, the German trade union movement (DGB) has developed the idea of a new Marshall Plan for Europe. It is this kind of joined up thinking that we urgently need to build a credible alternative to austerity.