The Daily Mail’s Hamish McRae makes his case for the potential for tax reform in the upcoming Autumn Statement.
In the ever-changing world of monetary policy, there seems to be a consensus about interest rates. Central banks around the world, including the Bank of England, the US Federal Reserve, and the European Central Bank, appear to be on the same page. The trajectory indicates a potential leveling out of interest rates. While there might be a minor spike with a quarter percentage point increase in the coming months, the consensus suggests long-term rates are at their peak. Moreover, we might witness the Monetary Policy Committee make their first reduction by next spring.
The Spotlight on Fiscal Policy
With monetary policy becoming predictable, attention now shifts to the fiscal realm. Given the current electoral cycle, fiscal policy decisions bear significant political weight. The forthcoming Autumn Statement in November is essentially the Government’s final opportunity to present its vision before the electorate. Given this backdrop, will there be any tweaks to the tax regime?
Recent Government financial statements, released last Thursday, provide some clues. These statements, overshadowed by interest rate discussions, revealed that tax revenues are significantly ahead of projections, with VAT receipts surpassing expectations by 12%. Additionally, the previous year’s fiscal deficit has been adjusted downwards, with borrowing estimated to be nearly £24 billion less than the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) had anticipated in March.
These revelations imply two important conclusions:
- Strong tax revenues suggest a robustly growing economy.
- The OBR might have adopted an overly cautious stance regarding the country’s financial outlook.
What Lies Ahead for Chancellor Jeremy Hunt?
With the memories of last year’s Truss/Kwarteng mini-Budget still lingering, the forthcoming Autumn Statement holds significant importance. The Chancellor’s decisions will need the endorsement of the OBR, regardless of its conservative approach. Analysing the current economic landscape, there seems to be room for potential tax cuts, but within the limits the Government and financial markets deem appropriate.
Hints of this optimism can be spotted in the gilt market. The UK ten-year gilt yield has dipped to 4.3%, even lower than its US counterpart, which stands at 4.5%. This decline in borrowing costs benefits the Government, providing a slight relief to the nation’s mortgage rates.
The Key Focus: Boosting Supply Over Demand
The next pivotal question is how to best utilise the financial room the Chancellor might have. Rather than stimulating demand – an approach previously championed by Liz Truss – the focus should be on bolstering supply. While British consumers are notorious for their spending habits when they have cash, the real challenge lies in addressing the supply-side, especially labour.
Several sectors, from high-tech industries to hospitality, lament the shortage of skilled personnel. Factors such as early retirements, with over half-a-million opting for it, and the pandemic’s impact on young workers’ education and career trajectories further exacerbate the situation. Addressing these challenges, arguably, is even more daunting than enhancing overall economic growth.
The Road Ahead
As November looms, the Government finds itself in a privileged position, armed with improved finances and an opportunity to make impactful decisions. While the world grapples with the aftermath of the pandemic and potential economic slowdowns, the UK has a chance to lead the way in recovery and growth. How effectively the Government seizes this chance remains to be seen.