11/11/2009

Pre-Budget Due Next Month

Public spending is predicted to dominate next month's pre-Budget report, which will be presented by the Chancellor on Wednesday 9 December.

It will be Allister Darling's last pre-Budget report before next year's General Election, which must take place before June.

Mr Darling is expected to outline plans to halve public debt in four years, having already conceded government costs will be trimmed.

All parties in Westminster back spending cuts, with the Tories insisting expenditure should be reduced immediately.

The Chancellor will be expected to provide reasoning why the UK is still technically in recession, despite prior growth forecasts.

Mr Darling has already said growth could happen at the "turn of the year".

Bank of England Governor Mervyn King today suggested recovery had "only just started".

Tories have accused the government of having no credible plan to lift the country out of the deepest recession in almost 60 years.

Labour said the effect of the downturn would have been worst under the Conservatives, who criticised the VAT cut and other economic recovery measures.

Freeing up affordable bank credit to small businesses is key to recovery, the Lib Dems have continued to insist.

(PR/KMcA)

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