We now have created a situation where the OBR is effectively setting the immediate stance of fiscal policy. If economic expectations are poor, the finances look poor, so austerity or tax hikes follow – but these in turn make the economy and finances worse.
The heated debate about fiscal policy a decade ago is often forgotten. It matters that the former Prime Minister now acknowledges he came down on the wrong side.
How have think-tanks, business organisations and campaign groups responded to the Chancellor’s fiscal and economic news?
But a vote on some form of customs union is coming. Might it become a confidence issue?
The price of being thought business-minded is that it reflects particularly badly on Tory ministers when the private sector gets it wrong.
The Treasury is not – and should not be – in charge of the Brexit process.
Especially so for smaller firms and entrepreneurs.
All the expert reaction to business rates relief, the changing deficit forecasts, the sugar tax and more.
Too far or not far enough? Welcome u-turn or misguided retreat? Westminster’s policy experts have their say.
Was this a Robin Hood budget or a disaster? The experts have their say.
A selection of the reaction from policy experts around Westminster.
The fourth in our series of pieces on economic policy after the referendum decision.