Monash Expert: UK budget
As the UK heads into a general election between now and the end of the year, the UK Chancellor (treasurer) Jeremy Hunt will hand down what must be a pre-election budget at 12.30pm GMT on Wednesday 6 March (Thursday morning AEST). A Monash University expert is available to discuss the budget and its implications for the upcoming UK election.
Associate Professor Ben Wellings, Politics and International Relations
Contact details: +61 421 470 181 or Ben.Wellings@monash.edu
Read more of Associate Professor Wellings’ commentary at Monash Lens
The following can be attributed to Associate Professor Wellings:
“With the Conservatives polling woefully following scandals surrounding Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss's disastrous 45 days in government, this is Rishi Sunak's last chance to turn Tory fortunes around and avert a historic defeat.
“Like Australia, the UK is facing a cost of living crisis, as well as pressure on key institutions like the National Health Service (NHS). Tax cuts are likely to be announced in an attempt to ease cost of living pressures - and woo voters.
“But the UK can ill-afford to lose money from the public purse at this time in its post-pandemic recovery, so tax cuts are likely to be controversial and will store up major problems for whichever party forms government at the forthcoming election.”
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