Budget Analysis: What To Read
The Chancellor’s annual speech always seems to last several news cycles and contains lots of information you know is important, but can be quite unwieldy to decipher. Everyone has an […]
The Chancellor’s annual speech always seems to last several news cycles and contains lots of information you know is important, but can be quite unwieldy to decipher. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is analysing it, but how do you choose what to read and who to believe?
- From the horse’s mouth
You may want to start your research by reviewing the speech itself, pausing and replaying to take note of what you’d like to know more about. The official video of the Chancellor in action, accompanied by a full transcript, will be available here shortly after the event itself.
2. The Economists
Economics Editor of The Sunday Times, David Smith, gives a presentation every year for Reed Finance and Reed Accountancy, and his slides and summary can be found here . He also writes for the blog Economics UK which goes into more technical detail about the economic implications of the Chancellor’s announcement. David McWilliams, consistently ranked City AM’s most influential UK economist is worth a follow, as is Frances Coppola who provides great economic analysis that is a bit more human than some of what you read out there.
3. The Big Four
As can be expected, their analysis goes into a lot of depth into the business and tax implications of the budget announcement in particular. Both PWC and Deloitte have comprehensive breakdowns from partners with expertise in specific areas, but these are more aimed at their clients or prospects rather than the average Joe.
4. The Thinktanks
The Office for Budget Responsibility supports the Government in budgetary research, but is an independent organisation. With access to all sorts of information from different government departments, it really is the authority when it comes to public spending. If you’d like your public spending analysis a little more separate from the Government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies always makes a big splash on it. The Women’s Budget Group also provides in-depth analysis in relation to how the budget affects men and women differently and certainly makes an interesting read.
5. The Accounting bodies
It’s the ICAEW who really go all out in their analysis of the budget, which covers the economy, tax, personal finance and business. Their review includes commentary and initial reactions, plus a range of discussions on video which will follow as soon as they can get them edited and live. See their resources here.
6. The Newspapers
It’s no surprise really that all the broadsheets are already jumping up and down about it, so we can expect quite a thorough review from the Financial Times, The Guardian and The Telegraph. Just beware any political or sensationalist bias that can creep into the front pages.
7. Reed Accountancy Linkedin Group
Reed Accountancy are hosting a budget breakfast event on the 17th March with David Smith (Economics Editor of the Times) commenting and delivering a response. To stay in touch with developments, economic and business commentary and responses please join the Reed Accountancy group
