Inflation has been a double-edged sword for the Chancellor, both feeding the rising costs experienced by businesses and the general public, while also filling up The Treasury’s coffers through fiscal drag.
When he stepped into the role, the nation was experiencing one of its highest inflation rates in recent history – at more than 11 per cent – the Chancellor was pleased to announce in his speech that things were back on track.
Measures taken by the Bank of England and the Government, as well as improving global economic conditions, mean that the nation is now on target to hit the all-important two per cent in ‘months’, according to Jeremy Hunt.
The growth statistics produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) were also more positive than expected following the Autumn Statement.
According to the OBR’s latest report, GDP growth is expected to reach 0.8 per cent – up from 0.7 per cent growth expected in November 2023.
Similarly, forecasts for 2025 and 2026 show growth will increase to 1.9 per cent and 2.2 per cent respectively. These rates are both higher than previous estimates from the Autumn Statement.
While this will be looked at as a step in the right direction, the reality remains that the UK’s long-term growth outlook remains relatively weak.