The Lib Dems have proposed a budget rule that would run a persistent current budget surplus of 1%. This means that current spending (day to day costs of government) should always be less than tax revenue. Borrowing would only be allowed to finance capital investment after an independent watchdog found that the return would be …
From 2010 to 2019, total gross government debt (1) increased by £643 bn from £1.2 trillion to £1.8 trillion. UK Public sector debt 2010 – £1,194.3bn 2019 – £1,838.2bn A more helpful statistic is to consider debt as a percentage of GDP In 2010 Q2, public sector debt was 64.7% of GDP In 2019 Q3 …
An economic shock is a negative event affecting the economy it can involve Demand-side shock Supply-side shock Global shock Loss of confidence in the currency and banking system. Policies to deal with economic shocks include Monetary policy – to reduce inflation or boost economic growth Fiscal policy – higher government borrowing to finance higher government …
Traditionally, the key measures of economic performance in macroeconomics include: Economic growth – real GDP growth. Inflation – e.g. target CPI inflation of 2% Unemployment – target of full employment Current account – satisfactory current account, e.g. low deficit. Other measures of economic performance can include: Government borrowing/national debt Real disposable incomes Income inequality (Gini …
Government debt under Labour was a major factor in the elections of 2010 and 2015. But to what extent did the Labour government really plunge the economy into debt during 1997-2007? Usually, when people say ‘it’s debt that got us into this mess’. They tend to view all types of debt as the same – …
The business or trade cycle relates to the volatility of economic growth, and the different periods the economy goes through (e.g. boom and bust). There are many different factors that cause the economic cycle – such as interest rates, confidence, the credit cycle and the multiplier effect. Some economists also point to supply side explanations, …
A recession is a period of negative economic growth. In a recession, we see falling real GDP, falling average incomes and rising unemployment. This graph shows US economic growth 2001-2016. The period 2008-09 shows the deep recession, where real GDP fell sharply. Other things we are likely to see in a recession 1. Unemployment The …
The March 1981 UK budget was controversial. In a period of rising unemployment, recession and high inflation. The government pursued deflationary fiscal policy trying to reduce inflation. The chancellor increased taxes by a total of £4 billion, with the aim of reducing inflation and reducing the budget deficit. Tax measures included A new 20% tax …