Press release

Deloitte’s chief economist comments on today’s Budget

15 March 2023

Ian Stewart, Deloitte’s chief economist, comments on today’s Budget:

“Falling energy prices and low unemployment mean a brighter outlook - with the UK avoiding recession and inflation dropping, permitting more public spending and tax cuts.

“The official forecast for growth has switched from pessimism in November to optimism today. But, as the current turbulence in the banking sector demonstrates, the economic backdrop is volatile and highly changeable. The uncertainties are legion and a lot needs to go right to validate today’s forecasts.  

“Meeting the government’s debt rule by even a narrow margin and raising defence spending will require tight control of public spending over the next five years. This is a better outlook than we could have expected in November - but the UK economy remains subject to events far beyond the government’s control.”

 

 

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Deloitte spokespeople

Deloitte has a range of spokespeople available to comment on today’s Spring Budget. They can be reached on 020 7007 3333 or 0207 303 5054 or one of the following numbers:

  • Ian Stewart – chief economist (07884 765 916/07436 055 437)
  • Amanda Tickel - head of tax policy/indirect tax/business rates (07920 270 964)
  • Rachel McEleney - personal tax (07826 891 752)
  • Alison Lobb/Zubin Patel - corporate tax (07590 041 301)
  • Michael Nicolaides - employment tax (07824 895 798/07795 968 483)

 

About Deloitte

In this press release references to “Deloitte” are references to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”) a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTTL and its member firms.

Deloitte LLP is a subsidiary of Deloitte NSE LLP, which is a member firm of DTTL, and is among the UK's leading professional services firms.

The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

For more information, please visit www.deloitte.co.uk.

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