/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/AUIH7V7AENIRXELW4LDBL2SLZI.jpg)
Liz Truss Jenga-style podium cost taxpayers £4,175
GuardianNov 25, 2022
The Facts
Following UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's announcement of the 2023 budget, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) forecast that the UK won't enter a technical recession this year, with inflation reportedly set to drop to 2.9% — a reduction by more than half its current rate — by the end of 2023.
The budget included scraping the lifetime allowance on tax-free pension contributions and continuing both the freeze on fuel duty for another year and government support for Brits' energy bills until June. Corporation tax will also rise from 19% to 25%, and defense spending will go up by £11B ($13.2B) in the next five years.
The Spin
Right narrative
This budget was a minimalist masterclass. By steering clear of controversial or divisive topics, Hunt and the Conservatives have kept their powder dry in the lead-up to the next election. Given their current polling, a dull balance sheet that shows just enough attention to the cost-of-living crisis facing voters (through its childcare and energy bill provisions) without overspending is about as strategic a move as the government could make.
Left narrative
After 15 years in government, the Conservatives are disguising a faltering economy as a period of stability. Despite calling it a budget for growth, the economy is still shrinking and ordinary Brits are paying the price for Tory mismanagement. Real living standards are continuing to fall while governments are prioritizing the one percent.
