OBR

John Hawksworth takes a look at the economy and the public finances.

Faced with the reality of a massive deterioration in the public finances as a result of his emergency Covid-19 support, Rishi Sunak is looking at ways of repairing the damage this autumn, David Smith reports.

David Smith Economics expert

Philip Hammond took advantage of an improvement in the public finances to avoid tax hikes in the Budget. Should he have raised taxes anyway, David Smith asks.

David Smith Economics expert

A significant improvement in the public finances has eased the pressure on Philip Hammond to come up with tax hikes in his November budget, David Smith reports.

David Smith Economics expert

The public finances have turned out better than expected, despite weak economic growth, providing Philip Hammond with a boost. But he will want to go further in mending the public finances, David Smith writes.

David Smith Economics expert

If Philip Hammond wants to introduce bold tax reforms, he will do so against the backdrop of a sharp rise in government debt, writes David Smith.

John Hawksworth

John Hawksworth says the Budget is modestly positive for economic growth up to 2015 but with pain to come.